[Kreweoftruth] FW: The Session Begins

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Educate Now! Update
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The Session Begins

Governor Jindal has made K-12 education reform the cornerstone of his legislative
agenda. He is proposing sweeping changes [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.focd44iab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.state.la.us%2Findex.cfm%3Fmd%3Dnewsroom%26tmp%3Ddetail%26articleID%3D3198]
- including expanding vouchers, creating more charter schools, and changing teacher
tenure - that could radically alter the landscape of Louisiana education.

This Wednesday the House Education Committee and this Thursday the Senate Education
Committee will hear his three foundational bills.


* Rep. Carter's House Bill 976 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.6fky6jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Flegis.la.gov%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D781066]
and Sen. Appel's SB 597 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.twuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.la.us%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D781226],
which expand school choice, including the scholarship program, pathways for charter
schools, the providers who can offer courses to K-12 students, and a "parent trigger"
for failing schools.

* Rep. Carter's House Bill 974 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.5fky6jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Flegis.la.gov%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D781015]
and Sen. Appel's SB 603 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.uwuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.la.us%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D781229],
which link teacher tenure to performance, make effectiveness the primary criterion
for personnel decisions, and grant authority for hiring and placement of personnel
to school superintendents.

* Rep. Carter's House Bill 933 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.4fky6jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Flegis.la.gov%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D780691]
and Sen. Appel's SB 581 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.vwuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.la.us%2Fbilldata%2Fstreamdocument.asp%3Fdid%3D781184],
which outline a framework for a single coordinated early childhood education system
with accountability for academic outcomes.

Comments on the Governor's Education Package

Gov. Bobby Jindal Education Overhaul Legislation Introduced [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.wwuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F03%2Fgov_bobby_jindal_education_ove.html]

The Times-Picayune - March 3, 2012

This article outlines the governor's ambitious plans, provides details on the different
bills to be debated, and presents arguments for and against his most controversial
proposals to overhaul teacher tenure and expand vouchers.

Jindal's Education Moon Shot [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.agky6jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle_email%2FSB10001424052970204652904577190983319125916-lMyQjAxMTAyMDEwMjExNDIyWj.html%3Fmod%3Dwsj_share_email]

The Wall Street Journal - January 31, 2012

In one legislative session, Louisiana's governor wants to create America's largest
school voucher program, its broadest parental choice system, and its toughest teacher
accountability regime. The Wall Street Journal calls this the governor's "education
moon shot" and says, if he succeeds, it would be one giant leap for Louisiana children.

Ravich: Bobby Jindal vs. Public Education [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.ywuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.edweek.org%2Fedweek%2FBridging-Differences%2F2012%2F03%2Fbobby_jindal_vs_public_educati.html%3Fcmp%3DENL-EU-VIEWS2]

Education Week - March 6, 2012

Diane Ravich calls the governor's agenda an unprecedented onslaught against public
education and an unfair attack on teachers.

The Voucher Debate

Within the school choice bills (HB 976 and SB 597), the item that has generated 
the most media interest is the proposed expansion of vouchers.

So what does the voucher bill do?

It expands the voucher program statewide, making more than 350,000 students eligible.

Who is eligible?


* Any student who meets the income eligibility standard of 250% of the poverty line
at the time they enter the program. (There is no requirement to prove eligibility
in subsequent years.) AND
* Is entering kindergarten OR
* Attending a public school with a letter grade of C, D or F

Who gets preference?

If there are more students applying then there are slots, the Department of Education
will conduct an enrollment process similar to a lottery. There are no admission 
criteria allowed, although the school retains its academic and disciplinary requirements
for students attending.


* Siblings get preference
* Kindergarten students enrolled in a nonpublic school pre-K program get preference

Other Key Points


* Funded with MFP dollars
* All scholarship students must take the state tests
* The department will give parents information on the scholarship students at each
school, including performance on state tests, parent satisfaction survey results,
and retention rates (what percentage of students stay year to year).

Many have weighed in on the pros and cons of the proposed voucher expansion. Here
is a sampling of the debate:

The Concerns - An Overview

Some of the concerns are well expressed in Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans' letter
to committee members:

Open Letter to the House and Senate Education Committees [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.bgky6jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizensfor1greaterneworleans.com%2Feducation%2Falerts%2FOPEN%2520LETTER%2520TO%2520THE%2520HOUSE%2520AND%2520SENATE%2520EDUCATION%2520COMMITTEES.html]

Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans - March 12, 2012

In an open letter to the House and Senate Education Committees, Citizens for 1 Greater
New Orleans recommends changes to the proposed voucher legislation in order to improve
accountability for voucher schools, prioritize need, and limit the percentage of
 voucher students a private school can enroll.

Accountability Concerns

Louisiana Should Be Shown Proof that Private School Vouchers Are Worth It: Jarvis
DeBerry [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.zwuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fopinions%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F02%2Flouisiana_should_be_shown_proo.html]

The Times-Picayune - February 5, 2012

Jarvis DeBerry says voucher schools should be held to the same state accountability
standards as regular public schools. Perry says it's not enough to just say voucher
schools are better, he wants proof before he will become a voucher supporter.

Accountability Would Make Voucher Plan Better: Letter [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.9wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fopinions%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F03%2Faccountability_would_make_vouc.html]

The Times-Picayune - March 10, 2012

In this letter to the editor, Robbie Evans points out that the governor's plan for
vouchers lacks accountability, with consequences, in the event that voucher schools
do not perform well.

Don't Weaken Louisiana's School Voucher Rules: An Editorial [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.8wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fopinions%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F03%2Fdont_weaken_louisianas_school.html]

The Times-Picayune - March 10, 2012

The Times-Picayune is concerned that proposed voucher legislation would actually
 weaken current voucher accountability requirements. Current law limits the number
of voucher students in a new private or parochial school to no more than 20% of 
its student population, unless its governing board has a proven track record of 
success. The new law would allow a newly formed school to take unlimited voucher
 students simply by providing a letter of credit or a surety bond. A letter of credit
might show financial security, but it certainly doesn't prove the board can run 
a successful school.

More Aid Accountability Sought [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.7wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Ftheadvocate.com%2Fnews%2F2025811-123%2Fmore-aid-accountability-sought.html]

The Advocate - February 13, 2012

Louisiana's superintendents are asking the Jindal administration to require letter
grades be given to private and parochial schools that accept voucher students, just
like public schools.

Report: Jindal's Push to Expand School Vouchers Lacks Accountability [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.6wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fbusinessreport.com%2Farticle%2F20120214%2FBUSINESSREPORT0112%2F120219950%2F-1%2Fdaily-reportAM]

Greater Baton Rouge Business Report - February 14, 2012

A new report by the Louisiana Budget Project gives Gov. Jindal's plan to expand 
the state's voucher program an "F" for accountability.

Constitutionality Concerns

Teachers Union to Lawmakers: Jindal Voucher Plan Unconstitutional [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.5wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F03%2Fteachers_union_to_lawmakers_ji.html]

The Times-Picayune - March 8, 2012

Steve Monaghan, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, says redirecting
MFP funds to cover private and parochial school tuition is in violation of Louisiana's
Constitution, which he says, "clearly reserves MFP funds for public elementary and
secondary schools" and could divert locally dedicated taxes to other purposes.

Focus on the Neediest First

Shaping Education Plan: Democrats Want to Tweak Jindal's School Agenda [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.4wuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Ftheadvocate.com%2Fnews%2Feducation%2F2214347-123%2Fshaping-education-plan.html]

The Advocate - March 6, 2012

While Democrats have no plans to offer sweeping alternatives to the governor's public
school agenda, they do plan to help shape any education bills through amendments.
For example, instead of allowing all students in a school rated C, D or F to be 
eligible for vouchers, an amendment might limit eligibility to D and F schools and
give preference to students in F-rated schools.

The Proponents Answer Concerns

Render Unto Caesar What is Caesar's [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.axuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lafamilyforum.org%2F2012%2F03%2Frender-unto-caesar]

Louisiana Family Forum - March 2, 2012

The president of the Louisiana Family Forum says that increased accountability for
voucher schools is unnecessary because parents already decide success and failure
in private education. He also says that no church-run school should have to adopt
the onerous and unproductive edicts that accountability imposes.

Department Releases White Paper on Proposed Statewide Scholarship Program [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.cxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.louisianaschools.net%2Foffices%2Fpublicaffairs%2Fpress_release.aspx%3FPR%3D1607]

Louisiana Department of Education - March 6, 2012

The Louisiana Department of Education has released a white paper that lays out the
steps the department would take to implement the governor's proposed plan to expand
the voucher program. View the complete white paper [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.dxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.louisianaschools.net%2Flde%2Fuploads%2F19384.pdf].

Voucher Program Will Draw Few at First, La. Schools Chief Says [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.exuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.houmatoday.com%2Farticle%2F20120306%2FWIRE%2F120309727]

Associated Press - March 6, 2012

Although an estimated 380,000 students would be eligible for school vouchers under
the governor's plan, Superintendent of Education John White says he expects a much
smaller number of parent's would apply at first, only around 2,000.

State Superintendent: No Admissions Testing for Voucher Students [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.fxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fbusinessreport.com%2Farticle%2F20120306%2FBUSINESSREPORT0112%2F120309917%2F-1%2Fdaily-reportPM]

Greater Baton Rouge Business Report - March 6, 2012

Superintendent John White says that private schools with selective admissions criteria
that choose to participate in the state's voucher program would not be allowed to
apply the same criteria to students with vouchers.

Other Commentary on the Governor's Agenda

Vouchers aren't the only thing on the Legislative agenda generating media interest.
The overhaul of teacher tenure and teacher evaluations and the expansion of charter
school authorizers are also in the news.

Teacher Tenure and Evaluations

Every Child Deserves the Best Teacher: A Guest Column by Rayne Martin [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.gxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Fopinions%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F03%2Fevery_child_deserves_the_best.html]

The Times-Picayune - March 10, 2012

Rayne Martin, the executive director of Stand for Children-Louisiana, says the new
teacher evaluation system is a fair system designed to support teachers' and leaders'
development through clear job expectations. She is also in favor of transforming
 Louisiana's tenure system and linking compensation to effectiveness. Stand for 
Children has prepared policy briefs on teacher evaluation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.hxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fstand.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FLouisiana%2FLA_Evaluation%2520Brief.pdf],
tenure [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.ixuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fstand.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FLouisiana%2FLA_Tenure%2520Brief.pdf],
compensation [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.jxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fstand.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FLouisiana%2FLA_Compensation%2520Brief.pdf],
and reductions in force [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.kxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fstand.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2FLouisiana%2FLA_RIF%2520Brief.pdf].

Expanding Charter School Authorizers

Proposal to Expand Charter School Authorizing Elicits Mixed Reviews [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.lxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nola.com%2Feducation%2Findex.ssf%2F2012%2F02%2Fproposal_to_expand_charter_sch.html]

The Times-Picayune - February 13, 2012

Gov. Jindal would like to expand the number and type of groups that can approve 
new charter schools in Louisiana. Currently, only local school boards and the state
board of education can approve charters. Many experts worry that opening up charter
school creation to nonprofits, community groups, and universities would lead to 
a less rigorous authorization process resulting in low performing charter schools.

How to Contact Legislators

It is expected that these bills will move quickly out of committee. If you want 
to contact a committee member about any of the issues in the proposed legislation,
here's a Contact List [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=plho9jjab.0.mxuq9jjab.invmuscab.0&ts=S0742&p=http%3A%2F%2Feducatenow.net%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F03%2FHouse_and_Senate_Education_Commitee_2012_contact_sheets.pdf]
for the members of the House and Senate Education Committees.
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Educate Now!

Leslie Jacobs

Founder 

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