Suddenly in the last 24-36 hours, our new kitten Pablo starts looking not so good. I suddenly notice yesterday, he is skinny. You can feel every bone down his spine and his back hip bones are sticking out. His fur is not soft and silky. He also isn't moving fast anywhere. In fact, if he does move, he moves from one sleeping spot to another. Something is wrong.
And it is. I rushed him first thing this morning to the vet where he is now. He is getting hydrated with fluids while the vet has run blood work.
It isn't good at all. Simple infection? I wish, and I had pictured that in my head. We need one final confirmation on his blood work but all indicators at this point is that he has feline FIPV. Click here if you want to know the details.
It is fatal.
Jun 4, 2009
From the Director's of Oregon's "Stand for Children"
I can tell the politicians in our group are doing their work. They are getting some pretty influential groups to make some pretty firm and well articulated statements and stands regarding online public education. Here is yet another one that came out yesterday evening:
"DATE: June 1, 2009
TO: Oregon Legislators
FROM: Holly Pruett, Stand for Children, Oregon Director
Dana Hepper, Stand for Children, Advocacy Director
RE: Concerns about SB 767Stand for Children sees the need for Oregon to define & clarify the role online learning plays for students and schools. Oregon needs to ensure academic and financial accountability for these and all schools. However, we're concerned that SB 767, as written, jeopardizes competitive federal funds.
So far, the Obama administration has made $5 billion available to states in the form of competitive grants to states, mostly in the "Race to the Top" funds. The USDOE has been incredibly clear – they will provide significant funding to states who embrace school improvement and innovation. States rejecting innovation, including shutting down and placing caps on charter schools (virtual or other), will be at the bottom of the list for competitive federal grants. These are just a few examples of USDOE representatives expressly stating their position:
Steve Robinson, Special Assistant to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the Department of Education, said,
"if Oregon passes a moratorium on charters of any kind it makes it MUCH less likely Oregon will receive any of the $4.35 billion in Race to the Top funds." (Personal communication, 5/7/09)
ARRA's cover letter to Governors laid out the policy assurances they are looking for from states, including:
Intensive support, effective interventions, and improved achievement in schools that need it the most – A state would identify schools most in need of academic intervention, and report on the progress of those schools in implementing reforms to improve student academic achievement. More specifically, a state would report:
on whether the state allows charter schools and whether there is a cap restricting the number of such schools, the number of charter schools currently operating in the state, and the number of charter schools closed within the last three years for academic purposes. www.ed.gov/programs /statestabilizat ion/2009- 394-cover. pdf
The Chicago Tribune reported Arne Duncan pushing his home state of Illinois to challenge the status quo:
"Duncan said funding inequity, a limit on the number of charter schools, marginal efforts to police teacher quality and other old-school ways put the state at risk of disqualification from future innovation funding." www.chicagotribune. com/news/ local/chi- arne-duncan- 15apr15,0, 3060737.story
The AP reported Duncan making similar comments in response to Tennessee's legislative action:
States will hurt their chance to compete for millions of federal stimulus dollars if they fail to embrace innovations like charter schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Thursday… responding to a question about Tennessee, where Democratic state lawmakers have blocked an effort to let more kids into charter schools. "States like that would not be helping their chances, I can say that," [said] Duncan. http://www.google. com/hostednews/ ap/article/ ALeqM5iQ72cmvb28 46meWCIAJArK1w2H mAD98FJOV00
By prohibiting the State Board of Education from renewing existing waivers, we risk closing schools currently serving 3000 Oregon students – before we've even decided how to deal with on-line learning in Oregon. This combined with a moratorium on charter schools indicates to the federal government that Oregon is not interested in innovative ways to improve schools and jeopardizes hundreds of millions in federal funds."
"DATE: June 1, 2009
TO: Oregon Legislators
FROM: Holly Pruett, Stand for Children, Oregon Director
Dana Hepper, Stand for Children, Advocacy Director
RE: Concerns about SB 767Stand for Children sees the need for Oregon to define & clarify the role online learning plays for students and schools. Oregon needs to ensure academic and financial accountability for these and all schools. However, we're concerned that SB 767, as written, jeopardizes competitive federal funds.
So far, the Obama administration has made $5 billion available to states in the form of competitive grants to states, mostly in the "Race to the Top" funds. The USDOE has been incredibly clear – they will provide significant funding to states who embrace school improvement and innovation. States rejecting innovation, including shutting down and placing caps on charter schools (virtual or other), will be at the bottom of the list for competitive federal grants. These are just a few examples of USDOE representatives expressly stating their position:
Steve Robinson, Special Assistant to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the Department of Education, said,
"if Oregon passes a moratorium on charters of any kind it makes it MUCH less likely Oregon will receive any of the $4.35 billion in Race to the Top funds." (Personal communication, 5/7/09)
ARRA's cover letter to Governors laid out the policy assurances they are looking for from states, including:
Intensive support, effective interventions, and improved achievement in schools that need it the most – A state would identify schools most in need of academic intervention, and report on the progress of those schools in implementing reforms to improve student academic achievement. More specifically, a state would report:
on whether the state allows charter schools and whether there is a cap restricting the number of such schools, the number of charter schools currently operating in the state, and the number of charter schools closed within the last three years for academic purposes. www.ed.gov/programs /statestabilizat ion/2009- 394-cover. pdf
The Chicago Tribune reported Arne Duncan pushing his home state of Illinois to challenge the status quo:
"Duncan said funding inequity, a limit on the number of charter schools, marginal efforts to police teacher quality and other old-school ways put the state at risk of disqualification from future innovation funding." www.chicagotribune. com/news/ local/chi- arne-duncan- 15apr15,0, 3060737.story
The AP reported Duncan making similar comments in response to Tennessee's legislative action:
States will hurt their chance to compete for millions of federal stimulus dollars if they fail to embrace innovations like charter schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Thursday… responding to a question about Tennessee, where Democratic state lawmakers have blocked an effort to let more kids into charter schools. "States like that would not be helping their chances, I can say that," [said] Duncan. http://www.google. com/hostednews/ ap/article/ ALeqM5iQ72cmvb28 46meWCIAJArK1w2H mAD98FJOV00
By prohibiting the State Board of Education from renewing existing waivers, we risk closing schools currently serving 3000 Oregon students – before we've even decided how to deal with on-line learning in Oregon. This combined with a moratorium on charter schools indicates to the federal government that Oregon is not interested in innovative ways to improve schools and jeopardizes hundreds of millions in federal funds."
Jun 3, 2009
Oregon Business Association Makes a Stand
Here is the formal statement from the Oregon Business Association (OBA) regarding the current fight in the legislature to keep online learning in Oregon. The OBA has some serious influence in this regards. Why? It's hard for the state to ask for support from local and statewide businesses to support public schools if the state ignores the opinion of the OBA. I honestly hope the Oregon Department of Education understands this responsibility, and the reps who are making this decision, if nothing else, read the final sentence.
"OBA Education Committee
Position Statement
ONLINE LEARNING IN OREGON
Background:
Online learning is available currently in Oregon. Both the Legislature and the
State Board of Education have studied the issue. Because of the constantly
evolving nature of the issue, it has been difficult for either to recommend the
best path to sound policy that is in the best interest of students and the
state.
OBA recommendations:
The OBA Education Committee recommends a policy that preserves the flexibility
that the State Board of Education currently has to set policy for charter
schools and online learning in Oregon. We recommend opposing legislative efforts
to restrict the current ability of the State Board to set policy in this area
and to consider waivers. It is also the recommendation of the committee that we
should advise the Legislature to form a work group to study this issue and to
make recommendations for action in the 2010 session.
Based on our position statement, OBA cannot support SB 767 in its current form.
Rationale:
1. SB 767 restricts the ability of the State Board of Education to set policy in
this area and consider waivers. What then is the role of the State Board in this
discussion?
2. SB 767 forms a work group with the primary focus of studying virtual charter
schools. There is limited consideration given to the future of online learning
in general. Online learning encompasses many different variables with a
continuum of possibilities. Any work group should study the entire spectrum of
online possibilities. The issues of charter schools, virtual charter schools and
online learning are being lumped together when in fact, there are very different
challenges and opportunities related to these educational options.
3. SB 767 forms a work group composed primarily of traditional education
stakeholders who have already voiced their opposition to virtual charter
schools. This does not set the appropriate open tone that will be needed in the
work group if the interests of all stakeholders are to be considered.
OBA supports studying all options available for students to reach their
potential. We urge you to study online learning in a broad rather than a narrow
sense and to honor the role of the State Board of Education in developing policy
that is in the best interest of students and the state."
"OBA Education Committee
Position Statement
ONLINE LEARNING IN OREGON
Background:
Online learning is available currently in Oregon. Both the Legislature and the
State Board of Education have studied the issue. Because of the constantly
evolving nature of the issue, it has been difficult for either to recommend the
best path to sound policy that is in the best interest of students and the
state.
OBA recommendations:
The OBA Education Committee recommends a policy that preserves the flexibility
that the State Board of Education currently has to set policy for charter
schools and online learning in Oregon. We recommend opposing legislative efforts
to restrict the current ability of the State Board to set policy in this area
and to consider waivers. It is also the recommendation of the committee that we
should advise the Legislature to form a work group to study this issue and to
make recommendations for action in the 2010 session.
Based on our position statement, OBA cannot support SB 767 in its current form.
Rationale:
1. SB 767 restricts the ability of the State Board of Education to set policy in
this area and consider waivers. What then is the role of the State Board in this
discussion?
2. SB 767 forms a work group with the primary focus of studying virtual charter
schools. There is limited consideration given to the future of online learning
in general. Online learning encompasses many different variables with a
continuum of possibilities. Any work group should study the entire spectrum of
online possibilities. The issues of charter schools, virtual charter schools and
online learning are being lumped together when in fact, there are very different
challenges and opportunities related to these educational options.
3. SB 767 forms a work group composed primarily of traditional education
stakeholders who have already voiced their opposition to virtual charter
schools. This does not set the appropriate open tone that will be needed in the
work group if the interests of all stakeholders are to be considered.
OBA supports studying all options available for students to reach their
potential. We urge you to study online learning in a broad rather than a narrow
sense and to honor the role of the State Board of Education in developing policy
that is in the best interest of students and the state."
Mommy Bloggers....Unite!
I knew it all along. Bloggers have influence. Now I am not that full of myself by any stretch. On any given day, my ten friends check my blog.
However, click here for the influence penny pinching blogging mommies are starting to have in corporate marketing.
Seriously, my favorite that I still check almost daily is the one I have listed below "It's Lovely, I'll Take It". Just for sheer laughs it's great. I mean literally, you will laugh out loud.
Anyway, for all my blogging buddies, my hope is that Old Navy will start pinging on your blog.
However, click here for the influence penny pinching blogging mommies are starting to have in corporate marketing.
Seriously, my favorite that I still check almost daily is the one I have listed below "It's Lovely, I'll Take It". Just for sheer laughs it's great. I mean literally, you will laugh out loud.
Anyway, for all my blogging buddies, my hope is that Old Navy will start pinging on your blog.
Jun 2, 2009
Second Grade....In the Bag
Well, almost. We are approximately one week away from finishing second grade. And I am my typical reflective self. I have a whole year to look back on as our first year of non traditional, homeschooling, non classroom, family experiment.
Here is where JM's sit:
Spanish 88% (still several assignments left)
Language Arts 88% (a few assignments left)
Art 100% (final grade)
Science 94% (final grade)
Social Studies 95% (final grade)
Math 90% (final grade)
Online Tech 100%
PE 100%
Okay, so to clarify, PE, Art and Online Technology were graded only on participation. If he had completely biffed all of it, he would get the same score for participation.
Several things I have loved about online learning:
* I can see the grade book anytime. JM can literally submit a test, and we can immediately see the effect on his overall grade. How many parents have said this in their lifetime about their kid's grades? "We never knew he was flunking math until we got the report card at the end of the year. I wish we would have known sooner so we could have helped."
Interesting thing you'll start seeing in regular public schools, and I have seen a little of here--schools are now posting, through a secure login, kids grades online specifically so parents can see them right away. For those of us with small kids, I am sure by the time our kids are in high school, this will be the norm. That system is to specifically get rid of that parental exclamation.
* I have loved the curriculum. I mean it. If and when my back ackwards state decides to shut down online learning, and it's about to be decided, I will use this curriculum to do traditional homeschooling. Yes, it will cost. But we have really enjoyed it and it fits JM's learning style, especially the math.
* I know we have all split the fine hair of what online charter schools are. Here is my impression: to people who put their kids in regular public schools, I answer them with "homeschooling". Why? Because if you were to peek in my home on any given day, it looks and feels like traditional homeschooling. To traditional homeschoolers, I say "online charter schooling". Why? Because it really isn't the same as homeschooling and only traditional homeschoolers know that distinction.
* Non traditional schooling is absolutely not for everyone! This is a huge commitment not just on the primary instructor's part, but the whole family. However, I do believe more people can do this than give themselves credit for.
Please remember it's only been in recent times that public schooling has been the norm. Either it was homeschooling (think Laura Ingalls Wilder during the long winter), or community cooperatives (think Laura Ingalls Wilder when in a classroom) or private institutions (think European traditions of strict, religious based boarding schools that cost families money). So while a "free" (40% of my taxes doesn't feel free but oh well) education seems good on the surface, it comes at a huge cost. The value and quality of education is much less. When we abdicate our school choices away, it sometimes causes us to look back (myself included) and say "Why do these people think they can educate my child better than me?" We have given up much educational freedom in recent decades and we need to grab some of it back before it's too late.
And so we are set to have a good summer. I am looking forward to "school's out" just as much as my kids are.
T minus five days and counting.
Here is where JM's sit:
Spanish 88% (still several assignments left)
Language Arts 88% (a few assignments left)
Art 100% (final grade)
Science 94% (final grade)
Social Studies 95% (final grade)
Math 90% (final grade)
Online Tech 100%
PE 100%
Okay, so to clarify, PE, Art and Online Technology were graded only on participation. If he had completely biffed all of it, he would get the same score for participation.
Several things I have loved about online learning:
* I can see the grade book anytime. JM can literally submit a test, and we can immediately see the effect on his overall grade. How many parents have said this in their lifetime about their kid's grades? "We never knew he was flunking math until we got the report card at the end of the year. I wish we would have known sooner so we could have helped."
Interesting thing you'll start seeing in regular public schools, and I have seen a little of here--schools are now posting, through a secure login, kids grades online specifically so parents can see them right away. For those of us with small kids, I am sure by the time our kids are in high school, this will be the norm. That system is to specifically get rid of that parental exclamation.
* I have loved the curriculum. I mean it. If and when my back ackwards state decides to shut down online learning, and it's about to be decided, I will use this curriculum to do traditional homeschooling. Yes, it will cost. But we have really enjoyed it and it fits JM's learning style, especially the math.
* I know we have all split the fine hair of what online charter schools are. Here is my impression: to people who put their kids in regular public schools, I answer them with "homeschooling". Why? Because if you were to peek in my home on any given day, it looks and feels like traditional homeschooling. To traditional homeschoolers, I say "online charter schooling". Why? Because it really isn't the same as homeschooling and only traditional homeschoolers know that distinction.
* Non traditional schooling is absolutely not for everyone! This is a huge commitment not just on the primary instructor's part, but the whole family. However, I do believe more people can do this than give themselves credit for.
Please remember it's only been in recent times that public schooling has been the norm. Either it was homeschooling (think Laura Ingalls Wilder during the long winter), or community cooperatives (think Laura Ingalls Wilder when in a classroom) or private institutions (think European traditions of strict, religious based boarding schools that cost families money). So while a "free" (40% of my taxes doesn't feel free but oh well) education seems good on the surface, it comes at a huge cost. The value and quality of education is much less. When we abdicate our school choices away, it sometimes causes us to look back (myself included) and say "Why do these people think they can educate my child better than me?" We have given up much educational freedom in recent decades and we need to grab some of it back before it's too late.
And so we are set to have a good summer. I am looking forward to "school's out" just as much as my kids are.
T minus five days and counting.
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