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We received a this announcement of a bit of children’s theater, so I’m honoring their request to let readers know. A group of neighborhood children set out to put on a show,when Dotty Dot attempts to steal the spotlight. Lessons are learned and friendships are put to the test. Filled with song, colorful costumes and … Continue reading →

Jones vs. Merriman

GEM member Brian Jones will be on the Laura Flanders show today debating James Merriman IV, the new CEO of the NYC Center for Charter School Excellence. In Brian’s words: “Should be a trip.” UPDATE: VIEW the PROGRAM HERE. Viewing info:Livestreaming at 12 noon: grittv.orgDish Network Channel 9145 at 8pm For a flowery press release … Continue reading →

The 10 Best Reasons to Oppose Charter Schools

Loretta Prisco wrote this for her local paper. Circulating it is the next step. For a PDF of the following list (laid out 3x on a legal size page), please write: GEMnyc@gmail.com. Charter schools are paid for with taxpayer dollars, but privately operated. #10. Charters don’t serve children with special needs, English Language Learners, taking … Continue reading →

Detroit speaks, we listen and learn

On the ICE’s listserv is the text of a flyer that the Equal Opportunity Now Caucus and BAMN (By Any Means Necessary) distributed at the mass membership meeting of the Detroit Federation of Teachers today. The meeting attracted about 5000 members, and accepted a 60 day contract extension. They call for a strike and picketing. … Continue reading →

Fake charter school hearing at I.S. 195 exposed

One of Harlem-GEM’s members sent in this report on the hearing that took place two days ago at I.S. 195 over the addition of another KIPP charter in the building. Hearings like this are rampant in New York City, and communities have to understand that watchdog involvement and activism is the only way to slow … Continue reading →

"The Truth About Charter Schools"

Highlights from GEM’s brochure on charter schools, which is being distributed at many demonstrations, forums, and other ed events this month. (Downloadable PDF here.) MYTH: Charter schools are public schools. TRUTH: If something is public, it means it is open to all members of a community. Charter schools conduct lotteries to select their students; they … Continue reading →

Short notice — KIPP charter school hearing tomorrow

Ednotes reports there’s another charter school hearing, which may have not been advertised well. “It is not commonly known, but KIPP is establishing its first high school right here in NYC at IS 195 where all KIPP schools will feed their 8th grade graduates . . . “ See the rest of that post for … Continue reading →

The Bloomberg "success" — 32% cut in per pupil funding, and did he say "racism"?

There’s a new blog in NYC education called Teaching and Politics, and this post on BloomKlein’s budget cuts has some strong stuff. Plus, he’s got figures to back it up. GEM is waiting for this blog author to come on board over here and lend us an experienced hand. August 24, 2009Real, uncensored effect of … Continue reading →

Founding convention of the Coalition for Public Education

The Coalition for Public EducationParent, Educator and Student Power! Telephone (212) 561-7368 For Immediate Press Release: Contact: Jitu Weusi (718) 773-2252, (718) 857-1427Sam Anderson: (917) 671-8207 The Coalition for Public Education will host a Founding Day Convention on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at DC 37 Headquarters. DC 37 is located at 125 Barclay Street in … Continue reading →

Reading material

There is so much to read over at the NYC Parents blog. Here’s the most recent posts: Correction needed for Times article on charter school construction: “The NY Times misreports yet another important education issue, this time as regards charter school construction . . .” “Effective Teacher” as Defined by the Obama Dept of Ed … Continue reading →