Scott Walker WI governor vs the Packers & teachers (2 Viewers)

[sts911911]

Don't 4 year old kids learn whether they are in a pre-k or not?

No, they only learn if they are exposed to some officially sanctioned educator who is capable of producing the above rant. Preferably a union member.

Seems logical that the more time a child spends in an enriching learning atmosphere where they are exposed to learning experiences with literature and reading would help...But if you want children sitting at home watching TV while parents are gone at work that's cool...

Yes, because that is what parents do. And every moment inside some government preschool is exposure to an enriched learning atmosphere.

So you are arguing that 4k provides no benefit? Students who would be sitting at home with a babysitter have the same learning experiences as a student in a head start classroom...

 

[Soonerman]

Don't 4 year old kids learn whether they are in a pre-k or not?

No, they only learn if they are exposed to some officially sanctioned educator who is capable of producing the above rant. Preferably a union member.

Seems logical that the more time a child spends in an enriching learning atmosphere where they are exposed to learning experiences with literature and reading would help...But if you want children sitting at home watching TV while parents are gone at work that's cool...

Yes, because that is what parents do. And every moment inside some government preschool is exposure to an enriched learning atmosphere.

So you are arguing that 4k provides no benefit? Students who would be sitting at home with a babysitter have the same learning experiences as a student in a head start classroom...

You talk like Head Start is a useful thing, not the nearly complete waste of time it has proven to be.

 

[sts911911]

Don't 4 year old kids learn whether they are in a pre-k or not?

No, they only learn if they are exposed to some officially sanctioned educator who is capable of producing the above rant. Preferably a union member.

Seems logical that the more time a child spends in an enriching learning atmosphere where they are exposed to learning experiences with literature and reading would help...But if you want children sitting at home watching TV while parents are gone at work that's cool...

Yes, because that is what parents do. And every moment inside some government preschool is exposure to an enriched learning atmosphere.

So you are arguing that 4k provides no benefit? Students who would be sitting at home with a babysitter have the same learning experiences as a student in a head start classroom...

You talk like Head Start is a useful thing, not the nearly complete waste of time it has proven to be.

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

 

[jon_mx]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

I may be using incorrect or outdated data, but last I read, there may be benefits in giving a kid a headstart with programs, but those benefits don't last very long. Essentially, by 1st or 2nd grade the kids have caught up.

It all comes down to the parents.

 

[jon_mx]

We Need a New Start for Head Start

Head Start, Children & Families, Education

Isabel V. Sawhill, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies

Jon Baron, President, Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy

Education Week

MARCH 01, 2010 —In January, we learned that the $7 billion Head Start preschool program produces far fewer positive effects on participants' lives than its advocates have assumed. A rigorous study found that the program, after producing some initial gains during preschool, had almost no effect on children's cognitive, social-emotional, or health outcomes at the end of 1st grade, compared with a control group of children whose families had access only to the usual community services.

 

[Statorama]

Man, I really hate the union mentality.

Amen. This childish "I'm entitled to these things" mentality shows how deeply these people needed a reality check.

The morning after the Republicans stripped me of my rights

There aren't enough smilies on the site for ridiculous comments like these.

 

[sts911911]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

Parents who have their students reading before kindergarten is not the norm. So great job raising your daughter, sounds like you are off to a great start. If you think all parents are like yourself then you are wrong. 4k and early start programs help those students who are not getting the same type of experiences you are describing. I was arguing the point that 4k teachers don't make a difference compared to babysitter. Students in lower socio-economic classes are not receiving this exposure to reading that are you are describing, and I'm not sure babysitters are providing this experience also. The condescending post you made about the services 4k teachers provide along with your previous posts where you claimed a bachelor's degree in teaching is no greater than a high school diploma is where I garner my opinion that you are an disrespectful to teachers.

 

[Class Dismissed]

All I implied was that 4 year old kids learn, that's what they do, it's in their nature.

I don't see how that is being disrespectful.

 

[sts911911]

All I implied was that 4 year old kids learn, that's what they do, it's in their nature.I don't see how that is being disrespectful.

Sorry, wasn't meant for you... just find most of Jon's posts condescending...

 

[Leviathan]

A teacher weeps for the future of Wisconsin schools

Vikki Kratz on Thursday 03/10/2011 3:25 pm, (6) Comments, (47) Likes

The morning after the Republicans stripped me of my rights, I stood in the hallway of my school, watching my four-year-olds stream in. They gave me hugs. They ran up to show me things: a new shirt, an extra pretty hair ribbon, a silly band. They wanted to know if it was chocolate milk day. They pointed out that one of their classmates, who had been out sick for a few days, had come finally come back! And for a little while, normalcy returned to our world. I had spent the evening before at the Capitol, in the crowd of thousands that pushed against the locked doors, demanding to be let in. I think I spent most of the night in shock – not only at how suddenly I could be deprived of everything I had worked for, but of how suddenly the country I thought I knew could become unrecognizable. I was standing with a crowd on the steps in front of the Capitol door when a police officer slammed it shut in our faces. I walked around the building until I found a spot where protesters had lowered a bathroom window. And I watched in disbelief as people began hoisting each other in through the open window, while dozens milled around them. "Ssssh," they warned each other. Don't make any noises that might attract the police.

This was my country now.

But this morning, I had to pretend that none of that had happened. I had to pretend that my colleagues were not sobbing in the teachers' lounge, wondering why the world had suddenly turned on them. I had to pretend that teaching is still a respected and valued profession. I had to pretend that the future for my young students is still as bright as it seemed a few weeks ago.

So today, my children and I discussed music. We talked about how you can't see music, but when you listen to it, you can imagine pictures in your head. How sometimes those pictures can lighten your soul.

All of them lay down on the carpet and closed their eyes. I turned on a piano concerto by Bach. They saw mermaids, whales, ballerinas twirling. I played some jazz. "Look, my toe is tapping!" one girl exclaimed excitedly.

I don't cry in public, and not in front of my students, but I felt tears suddenly well in my eyes. These are the moments that Scott Walker and his ilk are letting go. These moments when children transform because of something they learned in school. An experience they had because of a loving teacher and a dedicated staff.

And I know that all of this could soon be gone. My rights were taken away in a blink of an eye. Now how easily will they take away the right my students have to an enriching, enthralling education? Under Walker's budget, my school and all the other public schools in the state are facing drastic cuts. We could lose the arts. We could lose music. We could lose sports. And counselors. And librarians. Custodians. Secretaries. School nurses. Field trips. Summer school.

We could lose pre-kindergarten.

Which is what I thought about as I looked at my class, lying on their backs, eyes scrunched close, imagining music. Which is why, when you see teachers weeping today, you should know they are not crying only for themselves. They are crying because public education in this state is being dismantled. It started with the unions. And it will end with hurting our children.

I pulled out the watercolors. We have been making a mural for the hallway outside our room. I turned on another jazz song and modeled how to let music inspire your painting. I started with dark colors, the blues and greens, then unconsciously began to add yellows. "Yellow is for happy," one child observed.

"It's for hope," I agreed.

FAIL!

What a load of drivel!

 

[Ranethe]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

You are clueless and full of ####. A lot of parents don't read to their kids or play educational games, particularly in the inner city. You had your daughter reading before KG? BFD, you are not all parents. You "seriously doubt" any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit? What do you base that on? Ever been in a classroom? Of course not, just spouting off more BS as usual. You are also completely wrong (an on going theme with you) that learning is not effective outside of one on one time.I am not in a union but I am a speech therapist in a city public school pre-k classroom. I've been nothing but impressed over the years at how much teaching those pre-k teachers do, how hard they work, and the measurable results they achieve with kids who have the deck stacked against them. But just keep spouting your nutjob nonsense.

 

[cr8f]

Yesterday he was in washburn a town of 2000 with about 2200 protesters. He flew into Superior then had a local police and highway patrol escort here. Inside the restaurant a friend(waitress there) said he had 4 bodyguards, 2 guys that looked like feds and several highway patrol that looked bored. The restaurant had black plastic trash bags taped to the windows so the protesters weren't visible even though no one was allowed on the property so protesters weren't within about 75 feet.

When he left the police blocked off the streets and escorted him out but there wasn't even a hint oif any violence. The police thanked the protesters because they were cooperative

My photos of some of the signs. There was one guy with a pro Walker sign.

Today he is in Green Bay.It is a republican district but there are lots of protesters.

Story today on what he may be up to.

Nice time lapse of some protests in Madison

So now two brothers cotrol the assembly and senate and their father the WST?

The Wisconsin State Troopers Union is alarmed by Governor Walker’s order to deploy them in what may have be an illegal mission to restrict access to the Wisconsin Capitol. They are concerned that the deployment may wreak financial havoc on the individual troopers in the event that lawsuits are filed against them. They are requesting that the state Department of Transportation clarify its position regarding providing legal defense for the troopers, as is offered in the line of their normal duties.

Jack Craver of The Daily Page reports:

The law enforcement officers of the State Patrol continue to follow the orders of Governor Walker and Division of State Patrol Superintendent Fitzgerald, despite concerns that doing so may be illegal. The decision of Governor Walker and Superintendent Fitzgerald to call out the State Patrol, however, places the members of the State Patrol in the way of great personal harm.

When Troopers act pursuant to their statutory authority as sworn law enforcement officers while protecting Wisconsin’s citizens on our State’s highways, Wisconsin law offers them legal representation and indemnification for lawsuits alleging violations of a citizen’s civil rights. See Wisconsin Statutes § 895.46(1)(a). However, the protections of this law only apply in circumstances where a law enforcement officer acts “within the scope of their employment.” Because of concerns that the call out by Governor Walker may be illegal under Wisconsin Statutes § 323.17, a ruling by a court or jury that a Trooper was not acting “within the scope of their employment, ” could be devastating to a Trooper and their family.

This isn’t Governor Walker’s first go around with deploying the WST in a manner which may violate the law. Hrafnkell Haraldsson reported for PoliticusUSA that CREW previously filed charges against the Governor for his illegal use of troopers in a labor dispute, which violates Wisconsin law. Walker deployed troopers to Democratic Senate Leader Mark Miller’s home to deliver “a message,” hoping to force the lawmaker back into session so that the bill could be passed without negotiation with unions.

“The laws of Wisconsin are very specific as to when and why the WSP can be employed by the governor, such as civil disorder or threat to the safety of individuals, or a state of emergency, none of which applied. And the governor absolutely cannot employ the WSP “in any dispute or controversy between an employer and employee concerning wages, hours, labor, or working conditions.”

Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald, the head of the WST, is ironically the father of Republican Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald and it was the Senate Majority Leader who asked Governor Walker to deploy the troopers to deliver a message to a political opponent in a labor dispute. The father of Republican Senate Majority Leader Fitzgerald was just appointed to his position of superintendent of WST on February 14, 2011.

 

[cr8f]

Here we go Koch Bros group awarded energy contract.

The state Public Service Commission is poised Friday to approve selection of a Louisiana corporation with a history of environmental violations to manage Wisconsin's popular Focus on Energy program.

Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., a subsidiary of the Baton Rouge-based Shaw Group, was selected by an evaluation committee that included four representatives of Wisconsin's investor-owned utilities.

Shaw also has some ties to Koch Industries, the Wichita, Kan., firm that has been a big booster of embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. But there is no indication that Koch Industries would profit from the deal.

Focus on Energy is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable program launched in 2001. Using money collected from a tax on utility ratepayers, Focus works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The contract for administering the program is worth up to $5.2 million this year and $7.8 million in 2012, according to the PSC. The program has an estimated budget of $52.2 million for the rest of 2011 and $77.8 million in 2012.

According to PSC documents, Shaw was selected over two other competing bids, including the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a non-profit based in Madison. Shaw scored highest in a presentation and follow-up interview.

At least there were bids

 

[jon_mx]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

You are clueless and full of ####. A lot of parents don't read to their kids or play educational games, particularly in the inner city. You had your daughter reading before KG? BFD, you are not all parents. You "seriously doubt" any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit? What do you base that on? Ever been in a classroom? Of course not, just spouting off more BS as usual. You are also completely wrong (an on going theme with you) that learning is not effective outside of one on one time.I am not in a union but I am a speech therapist in a city public school pre-k classroom. I've been nothing but impressed over the years at how much teaching those pre-k teachers do, how hard they work, and the measurable results they achieve with kids who have the deck stacked against them. But just keep spouting your nutjob nonsense.

Chill out dude. You seem bitter. Nothing I said was nutty. Most studies back me up that Head Start isn't all that effective and certainly it is unfair to characterize parents as people who leave 4 year olds at home alone to watch TV.

 

[cr8f]

Madison — Gov. Scott Walker continued on his roll of victories Thursday, signing a bill making it more difficult to win damage awards in civil suits and seeing lawmakers approve a business tax cut.

Walker said that the new rules on lawsuits will help the economy by giving businesses certainty, but Democrats argued that it will prevent victims from accessing justice and do nothing to create jobs.

The bill is the second one Walker has signed and was taken up as part of a special legislative session that the Republican governor called hours after he took office Jan. 3. On Thursday, the Senate in a bipartisan vote sent him another, which would provide a tax cut for businesses that create jobs but also add to the budget problems the state faces.

The quick passage of bills by the Republican-controlled Legislature - and key committee votes Thursday for three more special session bills - gives Walker a string of successes as he prepares to deliver his first "state of the state" speech on Tuesday.

The Legislature passed the bill on lawsuits last week on party lines. Walker said it would free businesses of worries about the state's litigation climate.

Reminds me of Ron Johnson saying he likes China better for business because they don't have those pesky elections.

 

[snogger]

See, before 1959, there were no rainbows and unicorns in Wisconsin schools. Then the unions conjured them up. Now the evil wizard Walker has taken them away again, and darkness has descended on the land once more.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Wow does Vicki need some serious do-overs for civics, and reading skills.

 

[uwgb96]

Here we go Koch Bros group awarded energy contract.

The state Public Service Commission is poised Friday to approve selection of a Louisiana corporation with a history of environmental violations to manage Wisconsin's popular Focus on Energy program.

Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., a subsidiary of the Baton Rouge-based Shaw Group, was selected by an evaluation committee that included four representatives of Wisconsin's investor-owned utilities.

Shaw also has some ties to Koch Industries, the Wichita, Kan., firm that has been a big booster of embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. But there is no indication that Koch Industries would profit from the deal.

Focus on Energy is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable program launched in 2001. Using money collected from a tax on utility ratepayers, Focus works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The contract for administering the program is worth up to $5.2 million this year and $7.8 million in 2012, according to the PSC. The program has an estimated budget of $52.2 million for the rest of 2011 and $77.8 million in 2012.

According to PSC documents, Shaw was selected over two other competing bids, including the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a non-profit based in Madison. Shaw scored highest in a presentation and follow-up interview.

At least there were bids.

What an absurd statement. Way to read the article and do any kind of research. Of course I should expect nothing less from you. Why let facts get in the way?

Here is the only tie to Koch Industries:

Shaw Group's current senior vice president and corporate comptroller, Michael Kershaw, served in several positions at Koch Industries from 1997 to 2002, including vice president of finance.

Add to this, the fact that the CEO of Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard, is the former chairman of the Louisiana DEMOCRATIC Party.

 

[The Kerminator]

Here we go Koch Bros group awarded energy contract.

The state Public Service Commission is poised Friday to approve selection of a Louisiana corporation with a history of environmental violations to manage Wisconsin's popular Focus on Energy program.

Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., a subsidiary of the Baton Rouge-based Shaw Group, was selected by an evaluation committee that included four representatives of Wisconsin's investor-owned utilities.

Shaw also has some ties to Koch Industries, the Wichita, Kan., firm that has been a big booster of embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. But there is no indication that Koch Industries would profit from the deal.

Focus on Energy is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable program launched in 2001. Using money collected from a tax on utility ratepayers, Focus works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The contract for administering the program is worth up to $5.2 million this year and $7.8 million in 2012, according to the PSC. The program has an estimated budget of $52.2 million for the rest of 2011 and $77.8 million in 2012.

According to PSC documents, Shaw was selected over two other competing bids, including the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a non-profit based in Madison. Shaw scored highest in a presentation and follow-up interview.

At least there were bids.

What an absurd statement. Way to read the article and do any kind of research. Of course I should expect nothing less from you. Why let facts get in the way?

Here is the only tie to Koch Industries:

Shaw Group's current senior vice president and corporate comptroller, Michael Kershaw, served in several positions at Koch Industries from 1997 to 2002, including vice president of finance.

Add to this, the fact that the CEO of Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard, is the former chairman of the Louisiana DEMOCRATIC Party.

I don't even bother with cr8f's posts anymore.

 

[Statorama]

The best article written thus far about the situation

Courtesy of the Journal-Sentinel

It is a war, started by the unions

"This is war," panted Michael Moore, the left-wing propagandist, after Gov. Scott Walker's limits on government unions' power passed the Senate. Moore sounded eager.

And he's right. It is war. But look at who's fighting whom.

The unions say they're the target because Walker demanded that state workers start paying something toward their retirements and 12.6% of the cost of their health coverage. You think this a good deal; government unions think it's Pearl Harbor. Walker also insists benefits and work rules no longer be negotiable, since collective bargaining is precisely why governments are spending twice as much on employee health as regular employers do. So, sure, he's fighting government unions.

The unions' war plan, however, hinges on mixing up targets. They need others, too, to imagine they're in the sights. So they and their allies insist that it's:

Walker vs. cities. Milwaukee's union-friendly officials, for instance, complained bitterly about Walker ending a city-residency rule and about his plan to expand school choice, calling it hostility toward their city. Not quite. Ending the residency rule for Milwaukee Public Schools employees means that thousands of city residents will be able to live where they choose, a right enjoyed by most everyone else. Allowing families making, say, $45,000 a year to take their state aid to private schools means better schooling for Milwaukeeans. What looks like hostility to institutional Milwaukee is benefit for ordinary people.

Walker vs. your services. Madison's Common Council president insisted that Walker's state-aid cut - the state's next budget is $3.5 billion underwater - would lead to "significant cuts in programs." Said one Milwaukee County Board member, "You are going to lose your bus system."

This ignores the obvious: Cities and counties should cut not services but what they pay for them. Milwaukee County's unions haven't yet agreed to start paying reasonable shares of health premiums, so just getting from them what Walker demands of state workers is a great start.

"Walker's numbers are minimums," notes County Board member Joe Sanfelippo. The county can ask for more; it can change to more sustainable plans. Sanfelippo's proposed a switch from pensions to something like a 401(k), for instance. Big savings, and no massive layoffs or bus-system closure needed.

"With pension and health care benefits now non-bargained items, we're finally in control," said Sanfelippo. And unions aren't.

Walker vs. the 'working class.' This one is rich, given that only 15% of Wisconsin works for government and is thus hurt by what Walker proposes. If anything, it's unions vs. the private-sector majority of the working class: Unions insist on keeping their bargaining powers, winning back anything they concede and paying for it with higher taxes. Those are paid, in the main, by people who work.

What's more, unions are now threatening boycotts of businesses that do not denounce Walker. They've targeted employers ranging from a T-shirt shop in Two Rivers to the ubiquitous convenience store chain, Kwik Trip. Unions are endangering the paychecks of thousands in the working class. Oh, well: Collateral damage happens.

Suppose we talk just of union members themselves. Insufficiently appreciated is that Walker's reforms also end mandatory membership in government unions. Now, public workers will be able to join, or abstain, from union membership and dues, as they choose. It's as if their right to make up their own minds mattered. Until now, it hasn't.

The fact is that it is war, as Moore says. It is war of government unions, desperate to cling to remunerative power, against their employer's owners. Those would be taxpayers.

Unions choose war because the warlike arts - fighting, regimenting, taking - are what unions do best. Conflict dominates their talk, just like that image of Wisconsin as a fist is all over their posters. The chief strategy of unions is to heighten complaint and to monetize dissatisfaction by organizing it.

It is war because the peaceful alternative, democracy, didn't work out for the unions. They lost; taxpayers won. Don't imagine they'll leave it at that.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

The best article written thus far about the situation

Courtesy of the Journal-Sentinel

what horrible coverage if this is the "best" article.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

You are clueless and full of ####. A lot of parents don't read to their kids or play educational games, particularly in the inner city. You had your daughter reading before KG? BFD, you are not all parents. You "seriously doubt" any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit? What do you base that on? Ever been in a classroom? Of course not, just spouting off more BS as usual. You are also completely wrong (an on going theme with you) that learning is not effective outside of one on one time.I am not in a union but I am a speech therapist in a city public school pre-k classroom. I've been nothing but impressed over the years at how much teaching those pre-k teachers do, how hard they work, and the measurable results they achieve with kids who have the deck stacked against them. But just keep spouting your nutjob nonsense.

It doesn't really matter how much you scream and shout. Pre-k programs don't really do anything.

 

[dfwboiler]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

You are clueless and full of ####. A lot of parents don't read to their kids or play educational games, particularly in the inner city. You had your daughter reading before KG? BFD, you are not all parents. You "seriously doubt" any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit? What do you base that on? Ever been in a classroom? Of course not, just spouting off more BS as usual. You are also completely wrong (an on going theme with you) that learning is not effective outside of one on one time.I am not in a union but I am a speech therapist in a city public school pre-k classroom. I've been nothing but impressed over the years at how much teaching those pre-k teachers do, how hard they work, and the measurable results they achieve with kids who have the deck stacked against them. But just keep spouting your nutjob nonsense.

It doesn't really matter how much you scream and shout. Pre-k programs don't really do anything.

I think one of the Liberals biggest issues is not gutting/removing programs that are not doing what they're supposed to be doing. If Head Start really does nothing, then get rid of it. If it's shown to be effective, then fund it. Perhaps it should be something for inner cities only? Has it shown to help inner city kids at all?Not saying this has anything to do with Head Start... Isn't the US supposed to be near the top for elementary education? I can't find any info on a quick google search. I think we are much higher in eled then fall quickly as children grow older. I don't know why that is though. Low standards? Having to teach everyone the same material and holding top students back. I don't know.

 

[cr8f]

To overturn this law it seems they need 2 republicans to turn. If the law gets thrown out by the court I'm not so sure it would get passed again now.

Randy Hoppers wife and maid support his recall

Wisconsin Republican Targeted For Recall by Wife and Maid

Yes, life as a Republican sell out is tough these days. Republican state Senator Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) is one of the eight senators being targeted by outraged Wisconsinites. When they arrived at his home bearing their recall petition, his maid answered the door. She was more than pleased to sign the petition and said she was sure his wife would also sign it. Later Mrs. Hopper appeared at the door and informed the protesters that Sen. Hopper was no longer living at this address.

Why the betrayal?

Here he is explaining why he won’t be at a local parade with his family because of the evil protesters who are threatening him, courtesy of WBAY:

Citing recent threats during the budget repair bill battle, Republican Senator Randy Hopper says he will not participate in Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Fond du Lac.

In a written statement, Senator Hopper said, “I had looked forward to walking the parade route and sharing this celebration with my family, friends, neighbors, and constituents, but I, in no way, want to put the citizens of Fond du Lac in harm’s way.”

Yes, it’s the protesters fault that he can’t attend a parade with his lovely wife and family. Those horrible, evil teachers and farmers – does their perfidy know no end?

Well, er, it turns out, Mr. Hopper was exercising his family values by living in another district with a 25 year old former state Senate committee staffer and now lobbyist. Oh, I loves it when the Republicans sleep with their dollar bills literally. It just makes the story so much easier.

Blogging Blue reports:

Randy Hopper filed for divorce from his wife in August 2010, and it’s being reported his soon to be ex-wife will be signing a recall petition.

As for the claim by Hopper’s soon to be ex-wife that Hopper is living in Madison with his 25-year-old mistress, I’ve received unconfirmed reports the “other woman” is Valerie Cass, who as of this morning was a lobbyist for Persuasion Partners, Inc., a right-wing lobbying firm.

Gosh, maybe Mr. Hopper lied about the reason he wasn’t attending the parade with his family. Maybe it has something to do with the 25 year old he’s living with now in another district. I mean, I would imagine that a wife who is signing a recall petition against her soon to be ex who is living with a 25 year old lobbyist wouldn’t be willing to sell herself out by attending a parade with her cheating husband.

 

[timschochet]

cr8f, your posts really do not help the cause you are trying to argue. What the heck does this guy's marital affairs have to do with any of the issues we have been discussing?

 

[snogger]

Here we go Koch Bros group awarded energy contract.

The state Public Service Commission is poised Friday to approve selection of a Louisiana corporation with a history of environmental violations to manage Wisconsin's popular Focus on Energy program.

Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., a subsidiary of the Baton Rouge-based Shaw Group, was selected by an evaluation committee that included four representatives of Wisconsin's investor-owned utilities.

Shaw also has some ties to Koch Industries, the Wichita, Kan., firm that has been a big booster of embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. But there is no indication that Koch Industries would profit from the deal.

Focus on Energy is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable program launched in 2001. Using money collected from a tax on utility ratepayers, Focus works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The contract for administering the program is worth up to $5.2 million this year and $7.8 million in 2012, according to the PSC. The program has an estimated budget of $52.2 million for the rest of 2011 and $77.8 million in 2012.

According to PSC documents, Shaw was selected over two other competing bids, including the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., a non-profit based in Madison. Shaw scored highest in a presentation and follow-up interview.

At least there were bids.

What an absurd statement. Way to read the article and do any kind of research. Of course I should expect nothing less from you. Why let facts get in the way?

Here is the only tie to Koch Industries:

Shaw Group's current senior vice president and corporate comptroller, Michael Kershaw, served in several positions at Koch Industries from 1997 to 2002, including vice president of finance.

Add to this, the fact that the CEO of Shaw Group, Jim Bernhard, is the former chairman of the Louisiana DEMOCRATIC Party.

At this point I think any post by him should, by default, have Included..

 

[jon_mx]

At this point I think any post by him should, by default, have Included..

Let's not forget this gem by cr8f:

I don't like extreme right or left when they manipulate facts to win an argument.

The guy is on fire.

 

[timschochet]

At this point I think any post by him should, by default, have Included..

Let's not forget this gem by cr8f:

I don't like extreme right or left when they manipulate facts to win an argument.

The guy is on fire.

But you know, he's not so much manipulating facts as he is bringing up irrelevancies. IMO, there are many reasonable arguments to be made on the union side.For the most part, cr8f isn't making them. Not that this is any worse than some of the conservatives earlier in this thread who brought into the discussion such thoughtful posts as " WE WON THE ELECTION! NO COMPROMISE!"

 

[RCon]

At this point I think any post by him should, by default, have Included..

Let's not forget this gem by cr8f:

I don't like extreme right or left when they manipulate facts to win an argument.

The guy is on fire.

But you know, he's not so much manipulating facts as he is bringing up irrelevancies. IMO, there are many reasonable arguments to be made on the union side.For the most part, cr8f isn't making them. Not that this is any worse than some of the conservatives earlier in this thread who brought into the discussion such thoughtful posts as " WE WON THE ELECTION! NO COMPROMISE!"

Suggesting that cr8f isn't making the right arguments is a bit unfair. He doesn't actually make any arguments; he simply reposts random articles from left wing websites. It's not his fault they're only sometimes relevant.

 

[cr8f]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

 

[BeaverCleaver]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

You really need to stop. Seriously.Most of those low income people mentioned in this article are eligible for a Federal Program to help with Part D costs.

The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with the Medicare Part D program. Depending on your income level (or available financial resources), Medicare will provide "extra help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay a part or all of your Medicare Part D premiums.

Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

If your income is below $16245 per year for a single person (or $21855 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets are below $12510 for a single person (or $25010 if you are married).

 

[snogger]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

You really need to stop. Seriously.Most of those low income people mentioned in this article are eligible for a Federal Program to help with Part D costs.

The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with the Medicare Part D program. Depending on your income level (or available financial resources), Medicare will provide "extra help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay a part or all of your Medicare Part D premiums.

Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

If your income is below $16245 per year for a single person (or $21855 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets are below $12510 for a single person (or $25010 if you are married).

If one thing has been proven over and over again in this thread.. cr8f NEVER allows facts to get in the way of his

 

[timschochet]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

No this is simply wrong. Why do you post stuff like this? You know why there was no media coverage this weekend. And you know it has nothing to do with your last sentence. Are you actually suggesting that prior to this weekend, the news coverage about Wisconsin was inadequate??

 

[sho nuff]

cr8f, your posts really do not help the cause you are trying to argue. What the heck does this guy's marital affairs have to do with any of the issues we have been discussing?

Not only that, how is what he claimed is the reason he won't attend the parade even lying.He said family and friends...so he apparently has no other family other than his ex-wife now according to our blind poster?

 

[Statorama]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

No this is simply wrong. Why do you post stuff like this? You know why there was no media coverage this weekend. And you know it has nothing to do with your last sentence. Are you actually suggesting that prior to this weekend, the news coverage about Wisconsin was inadequate??

Not only that, but there was something that happened in Japan that might have squeezed a little bit of coverage from the left's pity party in Madison.Edit: I'm assuming Tim was talking about the Charlie Sheen meltdown

 

[phrozen]

cr8f, your posts really do not help the cause you are trying to argue. What the heck does this guy's marital affairs have to do with any of the issues we have been discussing?

new here?

 

[jon_mx]

Not only that, but there was something that happened in Japan that might have squeezed a little bit of coverage from the left's pity party in Madison.

Edit: I'm assuming Tim was talking about the Charlie Sheen meltdown

As bad as events are in Japan, do you realize we have Hitler running Wisconsin. How long before he rounds up union members and puts the in camps. We have another governor in Michigan getting ready to take over the state via martial law. This Japanese story just provides the cover they need to pull all this off.

 

[Ookie Pringle]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

You really need to stop. Seriously.Most of those low income people mentioned in this article are eligible for a Federal Program to help with Part D costs.

The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with the Medicare Part D program. Depending on your income level (or available financial resources), Medicare will provide "extra help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay a part or all of your Medicare Part D premiums.

Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

If your income is below $16245 per year for a single person (or $21855 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets are below $12510 for a single person (or $25010 if you are married).

If one thing has been proven over and over again in this thread.. cr8f NEVER allows facts to get in the way of his

Does he have any concept of how pathetic he looks when he does that crap?

 

[Slapdash]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

No this is simply wrong. Why do you post stuff like this? You know why there was no media coverage this weekend. And you know it has nothing to do with your last sentence. Are you actually suggesting that prior to this weekend, the news coverage about Wisconsin was inadequate??

Bc he is either an alias of Stat or just mimicking him to fish.

 

[hooter311]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

You really need to stop. Seriously.Most of those low income people mentioned in this article are eligible for a Federal Program to help with Part D costs.

The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with the Medicare Part D program. Depending on your income level (or available financial resources), Medicare will provide "extra help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay a part or all of your Medicare Part D premiums.

Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

If your income is below $16245 per year for a single person (or $21855 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets are below $12510 for a single person (or $25010 if you are married).

Seniorcare does not take into account total assets, only income.

Thousands of seniors in Wisconsin will lose their homes or substantial amounts of assets if it is eliminated, and I'm not really exaggerating here. We are talking about people with SS as their only income and yearly drug costs of around $4,000-$5000 which I think is probably 20-25% of the program. Half of the people on Seniorcare probably don't have a lot of drug costs and only are on the program to avoid a late enrollment Part D penalty because it costs $35 annually compared to the $176.60 of Humana's Part D plan.

 

[Ranethe]

It just seems to me that the lack of respect teacher's complain about come from thoughts from the above. Yeah the teacher in the original story was whining and line of thought was ridiculous. But the thought that teachers in 4k don't make a difference or benefit a student's learning seems pretty tactless. The results on Head Start has been pretty controversial as well. Data goes both ways, but more research I see states that the more time a child is exposed to enriching reading experiences helps improve their readiness to learn how to read when entering kindergarten...

And you seem to lack respect for parents. All parents apparently do is just leave the kid alone to watch TV or pawn them off to some babysitter. Parents never read to the kids or play educational games with them. I had my daughter reading before kindergarten. I seriously doubt any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit. Unless you can spend one on one time with kids that young, learning is not likely to be too effective.

You are clueless and full of ####. A lot of parents don't read to their kids or play educational games, particularly in the inner city. You had your daughter reading before KG? BFD, you are not all parents. You "seriously doubt" any teacher over 15-20 kids does anything more than babysit? What do you base that on? Ever been in a classroom? Of course not, just spouting off more BS as usual. You are also completely wrong (an on going theme with you) that learning is not effective outside of one on one time.I am not in a union but I am a speech therapist in a city public school pre-k classroom. I've been nothing but impressed over the years at how much teaching those pre-k teachers do, how hard they work, and the measurable results they achieve with kids who have the deck stacked against them. But just keep spouting your nutjob nonsense.

It doesn't really matter how much you scream and shout. Pre-k programs don't really do anything.

It doesn't really matter what you say, you're wrong.http://nieer.org/pdf/new-mexico-initial-4-years.pdfOur results show that New Mexico PreK produces consistent benefits for children whoparticipated in PreK, compared to those who did not, across all three years of the study.Positive impacts of PreK were found in each of three content areas important to earlyacademic success – language, literacy, and math. Findings in literacy and mathematicswere statistically significant in analyses for each school year of New Mexico PreK.The economic impact analysis conducted as part of this evaluation suggests that thereare good economic reasons to invest in New Mexico PreK and the children it serves.PreK can improve educational outcomes by reducing the numbers of children retainedin grade, lowering the number of children eligible for special education, and increasinggraduation rates. The economic impact analysis finds that an estimated $5.00 inbenefits are generated in New Mexico for every dollar invested in New Mexico PreK.The benefit to U.S. society is estimated at $6.17 for every dollar invested in New MexicoPreK. It is estimated that New Mexico PreK participants will have better educationaloutcomes that produce higher earnings. They will be less likely to engage in criminalbehavior, to be victims of abuse and neglect, and to use welfare services. The real rateof return to New Mexico’s state‐funded prekindergarten program is an estimated 18.1percent to New Mexico and an estimated 22.3 percent as a whole.Oklahoma's state-funded preschool for all program boosts children's skills dramatically, whether they are from disadvantaged families or middle class families, concludes this study from Georgetown University's Public Policy Institute and Center for Research on Children in the United States. William T. Gormley and colleagues measured the skills of 3,500 incoming kindergartners in Tulsa, finding that those who had been enrolled in the state's preschool for all program had better reading, math and writing skills than those who spent time in federally funded Head Start programs or attended no public preschool program.http://nieer.org/docs/?DocID=213Tulsa's state-funded pre-K program boosted children's pre-reading skills nine months ahead of other kids', pre-writing skills eight months ahead and pre-math skills five months. The study also found that Head Start boosted children's skills but to a lesser extent. The new findings appear in the June 27, 2008 edition of the journal Science.http://nieer.org/resources/research/ArkansasLongitudinal.pdfA substantial research literature indicates that high-quality preschool education not onlyproduces immediate gains but confers lasting advantages, most often reduced special education placements and grade repetition but also achievement test score gainsResults from the RDD analyses for Arkansas show that the ABC program has positive—and statistically significant—impacts on children's early language, literacy, and mathematics development (Hustedt et al., 2007). More specifically, attending the ABC program at age 4 yields 31% more growth in children's vocabulary at kindergarten entry, compared to preschool education experiences they would have had without attending ABC. Children who participated in ABC scored higher on a test of their early math skills—with 37% more growth at kindergarten entry. The ABC program also had large effects on children's understanding of print concepts, more than doubling growth over the year (116%) in print awareness scores.http://nieer.org/resources/research/multistate/mi.pdfThis study measures the effects of the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP) on enteringkindergartners’ academic skills using an innovative research model. Language (receptivevocabulary), early literacy and early math skills were assessed in a sample of 865 children from across Michigan. We find that the Michigan School Readiness Program has statisticallysignificant and meaningful impacts on children’s early literacy and mathematical development.There are some mixed results, and some "fading" effects seen, but it is ridiculous to say that pre-k "doesn't really do anything". I think I may have missed a link in there also, and some of the cut/pasting is sloppy, but I'm too lazy to go back and fix it. You can google it yourself, there are a ton more I didn't bother skimming through.

 

[Ookie Pringle]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

How ironic that Iran called out the MSM for this blackout.

This story says Walker said seniors drug plan would not be affected but is clearly not the case.

Gov. Scott Walker's proposed two-year budget would effectively end the state's SeniorCare prescription drug program in its current form, forcing tens of thousands of people to enroll in more-expensive private plans available through Medicare Part D.

The SeniorCare program, introduced in 2001, provides low-cost prescription drug coverage to low-income people over 65. About 91,000 people are in the program, and for most of them, switching to private coverage could cost hundreds of dollars more per year.

"Most people now in SeniorCare will not be better off in Medicare Part D," said John Hendrick, governmental affairs director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

The least expensive prescription drug plan through Medicare Part D in Wisconsin this year costs $177.60 and has a $310 annual deductible as well as co-pays. Most cost more: The average plan costs $43.96 a month, or $527 a year, based on estimated enrollment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In contrast, almost 40,000 of the people in the SeniorCare program - those with household incomes below $17,424 for one person and $23,536 for two people - pay only a $5 co-pay for generic drugs and $15 for branded drugs, plus a $30 annual enrollment fee.

The governor's budget proposal would require people to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan offered by private companies and would limit SeniorCare to providing supplemental coverage.

The administration has said that people won't see any change in benefits - a contention that advocates for seniors challenge.

"It is deceptive to our consumers to say that their benefits aren't going to change," Hendrick said. "They are going to see a lot of change."

You really need to stop. Seriously.Most of those low income people mentioned in this article are eligible for a Federal Program to help with Part D costs.

The Federal Government provides an extensive program for people needing financial assistance with the Medicare Part D program. Depending on your income level (or available financial resources), Medicare will provide "extra help" that may cover 85% to 100% of prescription costs and may also pay a part or all of your Medicare Part D premiums.

Who Qualifies for "Extra Help"?

If your income is below $16245 per year for a single person (or $21855 for a married couple living together or even more if you have dependent children or grandchildren living with you), AND if your assets are below $12510 for a single person (or $25010 if you are married).

Seniorcare does not take into account total assets, only income.

Thousands of seniors in Wisconsin will lose their homes or substantial amounts of assets if it is eliminated, and I'm not really exaggerating here. We are talking about people with SS as their only income and yearly drug costs of around $4,000-$5000 which I think is probably 20-25% of the program. Half of the people on Seniorcare probably don't have a lot of drug costs and only are on the program to avoid a late enrollment Part D penalty because it costs $35 annually compared to the $176.60 of Humana's Part D plan.

They aren't eliminating Seniorcare.

 

[jon_mx]

It doesn't really matter what you say, you're wrong.

http://nieer.org/pdf...ial-4-years.pdf

You do realize the studies you quote are on the National Institute for Early Education Research website. Of course they cherry-picked and provided only the studies which advance their agenda. There are plenty of studies which show the opposite, such as one just released a few days ago...

A just-released study by the Department of Health and Human Services delivers incredibly harsh news about Head Start. A large, nationwide survey of 4,600 preschoolers who were randomly assigned to either the Head Start (experimental group) or no program (control group) were studied on 114 measures ranging from academic skills to social-emotional development, to health status. The study found no statistically relevant effects from the Head Start program by the end of first grade.

These early childhood programs have been largely ineffective at producing significant results, and considering their costs, the money could be much better spent elsewhere.

 

[Statorama]

No media coverage on this again. The only way to see anything is through the internet. The Uptake was the best source this weekend.

Can we get Al Jazeera here please? Maybe they;d show what's going on in this country. If there were teapartiers it would be on every channel.

No this is simply wrong. Why do you post stuff like this? You know why there was no media coverage this weekend. And you know it has nothing to do with your last sentence. Are you actually suggesting that prior to this weekend, the news coverage about Wisconsin was inadequate??

Bc he is either an alias of Stat or just mimicking him to fish.

One of the biggest lefty posters on the board is one of my aliai, but it isn't this clown.

 

[bueno]

A teacher weeps for the future of Wisconsin schools

Vikki Kratz on Thursday 03/10/2011 3:25 pm, (6) Comments, (47) Likes

The morning after the Republicans stripped me of my rights, I stood in the hallway of my school, watching my four-year-olds stream in. They gave me hugs. They ran up to show me things: a new shirt, an extra pretty hair ribbon, a silly band. They wanted to know if it was chocolate milk day. They pointed out that one of their classmates, who had been out sick for a few days, had come finally come back! And for a little while, normalcy returned to our world. I had spent the evening before at the Capitol, in the crowd of thousands that pushed against the locked doors, demanding to be let in. I think I spent most of the night in shock – not only at how suddenly I could be deprived of everything I had worked for, but of how suddenly the country I thought I knew could become unrecognizable. I was standing with a crowd on the steps in front of the Capitol door when a police officer slammed it shut in our faces. I walked around the building until I found a spot where protesters had lowered a bathroom window. And I watched in disbelief as people began hoisting each other in through the open window, while dozens milled around them. "Ssssh," they warned each other. Don't make any noises that might attract the police.

This was my country now.

But this morning, I had to pretend that none of that had happened. I had to pretend that my colleagues were not sobbing in the teachers' lounge, wondering why the world had suddenly turned on them. I had to pretend that teaching is still a respected and valued profession. I had to pretend that the future for my young students is still as bright as it seemed a few weeks ago.

So today, my children and I discussed music. We talked about how you can't see music, but when you listen to it, you can imagine pictures in your head. How sometimes those pictures can lighten your soul.

All of them lay down on the carpet and closed their eyes. I turned on a piano concerto by Bach. They saw mermaids, whales, ballerinas twirling. I played some jazz. "Look, my toe is tapping!" one girl exclaimed excitedly.

I don't cry in public, and not in front of my students, but I felt tears suddenly well in my eyes. These are the moments that Scott Walker and his ilk are letting go. These moments when children transform because of something they learned in school. An experience they had because of a loving teacher and a dedicated staff.

And I know that all of this could soon be gone. My rights were taken away in a blink of an eye. Now how easily will they take away the right my students have to an enriching, enthralling education? Under Walker's budget, my school and all the other public schools in the state are facing drastic cuts. We could lose the arts. We could lose music. We could lose sports. And counselors. And librarians. Custodians. Secretaries. School nurses. Field trips. Summer school.

We could lose pre-kindergarten.

Which is what I thought about as I looked at my class, lying on their backs, eyes scrunched close, imagining music. Which is why, when you see teachers weeping today, you should know they are not crying only for themselves. They are crying because public education in this state is being dismantled. It started with the unions. And it will end with hurting our children.

I pulled out the watercolors. We have been making a mural for the hallway outside our room. I turned on another jazz song and modeled how to let music inspire your painting. I started with dark colors, the blues and greens, then unconsciously began to add yellows. "Yellow is for happy," one child observed.

"It's for hope," I agreed.

4 year olds? pre-Kindergarten? For some reason, losing what amounts to a professional baby-sitting service for kids too young to be learning the 3Rs doesn't tug my heartstrings.

Ever been in a pre-k classroom (probably a dumb question since you have apparently done every job known to man)? It's a bit more than a professional baby-sitting service. Believe it or not kids do learn in pre-k.

Never "taught" pre-k, but I can't imagine what a kid would learn at that age would require anything more than relatively decent parenting.

 

[TobiasFunke]

A teacher weeps for the future of Wisconsin schools

Vikki Kratz on Thursday 03/10/2011 3:25 pm, (6) Comments, (47) Likes

The morning after the Republicans stripped me of my rights, I stood in the hallway of my school, watching my four-year-olds stream in. They gave me hugs. They ran up to show me things: a new shirt, an extra pretty hair ribbon, a silly band. They wanted to know if it was chocolate milk day. They pointed out that one of their classmates, who had been out sick for a few days, had come finally come back! And for a little while, normalcy returned to our world. I had spent the evening before at the Capitol, in the crowd of thousands that pushed against the locked doors, demanding to be let in. I think I spent most of the night in shock – not only at how suddenly I could be deprived of everything I had worked for, but of how suddenly the country I thought I knew could become unrecognizable. I was standing with a crowd on the steps in front of the Capitol door when a police officer slammed it shut in our faces. I walked around the building until I found a spot where protesters had lowered a bathroom window. And I watched in disbelief as people began hoisting each other in through the open window, while dozens milled around them. "Ssssh," they warned each other. Don't make any noises that might attract the police.

This was my country now.

But this morning, I had to pretend that none of that had happened. I had to pretend that my colleagues were not sobbing in the teachers' lounge, wondering why the world had suddenly turned on them. I had to pretend that teaching is still a respected and valued profession. I had to pretend that the future for my young students is still as bright as it seemed a few weeks ago.

So today, my children and I discussed music. We talked about how you can't see music, but when you listen to it, you can imagine pictures in your head. How sometimes those pictures can lighten your soul.

All of them lay down on the carpet and closed their eyes. I turned on a piano concerto by Bach. They saw mermaids, whales, ballerinas twirling. I played some jazz. "Look, my toe is tapping!" one girl exclaimed excitedly.

I don't cry in public, and not in front of my students, but I felt tears suddenly well in my eyes. These are the moments that Scott Walker and his ilk are letting go. These moments when children transform because of something they learned in school. An experience they had because of a loving teacher and a dedicated staff.

And I know that all of this could soon be gone. My rights were taken away in a blink of an eye. Now how easily will they take away the right my students have to an enriching, enthralling education? Under Walker's budget, my school and all the other public schools in the state are facing drastic cuts. We could lose the arts. We could lose music. We could lose sports. And counselors. And librarians. Custodians. Secretaries. School nurses. Field trips. Summer school.

We could lose pre-kindergarten.

Which is what I thought about as I looked at my class, lying on their backs, eyes scrunched close, imagining music. Which is why, when you see teachers weeping today, you should know they are not crying only for themselves. They are crying because public education in this state is being dismantled. It started with the unions. And it will end with hurting our children.

I pulled out the watercolors. We have been making a mural for the hallway outside our room. I turned on another jazz song and modeled how to let music inspire your painting. I started with dark colors, the blues and greens, then unconsciously began to add yellows. "Yellow is for happy," one child observed.

"It's for hope," I agreed.

4 year olds? pre-Kindergarten? For some reason, losing what amounts to a professional baby-sitting service for kids too young to be learning the 3Rs doesn't tug my heartstrings.

Ever been in a pre-k classroom (probably a dumb question since you have apparently done every job known to man)? It's a bit more than a professional baby-sitting service. Believe it or not kids do learn in pre-k.

Never "taught" pre-k, but I can't imagine what a kid would learn at that age would require anything more than relatively decent parenting.

I don't really know enough about pre-K education to have an opinion on this, but if we only asked our government to provide services to children that can't be provided by "relatively decent parenting," we'd be in big trouble.

 

[bueno]

A teacher weeps for the future of Wisconsin schools

Vikki Kratz on Thursday 03/10/2011 3:25 pm, (6) Comments, (47) Likes

The morning after the Republicans stripped me of my rights, I stood in the hallway of my school, watching my four-year-olds stream in. They gave me hugs. They ran up to show me things: a new shirt, an extra pretty hair ribbon, a silly band. They wanted to know if it was chocolate milk day. They pointed out that one of their classmates, who had been out sick for a few days, had come finally come back! And for a little while, normalcy returned to our world. I had spent the evening before at the Capitol, in the crowd of thousands that pushed against the locked doors, demanding to be let in. I think I spent most of the night in shock – not only at how suddenly I could be deprived of everything I had worked for, but of how suddenly the country I thought I knew could become unrecognizable. I was standing with a crowd on the steps in front of the Capitol door when a police officer slammed it shut in our faces. I walked around the building until I found a spot where protesters had lowered a bathroom window. And I watched in disbelief as people began hoisting each other in through the open window, while dozens milled around them. "Ssssh," they warned each other. Don't make any noises that might attract the police.

This was my country now.

But this morning, I had to pretend that none of that had happened. I had to pretend that my colleagues were not sobbing in the teachers' lounge, wondering why the world had suddenly turned on them. I had to pretend that teaching is still a respected and valued profession. I had to pretend that the future for my young students is still as bright as it seemed a few weeks ago.

So today, my children and I discussed music. We talked about how you can't see music, but when you listen to it, you can imagine pictures in your head. How sometimes those pictures can lighten your soul.

All of them lay down on the carpet and closed their eyes. I turned on a piano concerto by Bach. They saw mermaids, whales, ballerinas twirling. I played some jazz. "Look, my toe is tapping!" one girl exclaimed excitedly.

I don't cry in public, and not in front of my students, but I felt tears suddenly well in my eyes. These are the moments that Scott Walker and his ilk are letting go. These moments when children transform because of something they learned in school. An experience they had because of a loving teacher and a dedicated staff.

And I know that all of this could soon be gone. My rights were taken away in a blink of an eye. Now how easily will they take away the right my students have to an enriching, enthralling education? Under Walker's budget, my school and all the other public schools in the state are facing drastic cuts. We could lose the arts. We could lose music. We could lose sports. And counselors. And librarians. Custodians. Secretaries. School nurses. Field trips. Summer school.

We could lose pre-kindergarten.

Which is what I thought about as I looked at my class, lying on their backs, eyes scrunched close, imagining music. Which is why, when you see teachers weeping today, you should know they are not crying only for themselves. They are crying because public education in this state is being dismantled. It started with the unions. And it will end with hurting our children.

I pulled out the watercolors. We have been making a mural for the hallway outside our room. I turned on another jazz song and modeled how to let music inspire your painting. I started with dark colors, the blues and greens, then unconsciously began to add yellows. "Yellow is for happy," one child observed.

"It's for hope," I agreed.

4 year olds? pre-Kindergarten? For some reason, losing what amounts to a professional baby-sitting service for kids too young to be learning the 3Rs doesn't tug my heartstrings.

Ever been in a pre-k classroom (probably a dumb question since you have apparently done every job known to man)? It's a bit more than a professional baby-sitting service. Believe it or not kids do learn in pre-k.

Never "taught" pre-k, but I can't imagine what a kid would learn at that age would require anything more than relatively decent parenting.

I don't really know enough about pre-K education to have an opinion on this, but if we only asked our government to provide services to children that can't be provided by "relatively decent parenting," we'd be in big trouble.

I am really scratching my head trying to figure out what your point is (if any). Help me out here.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I don't really know enough about pre-K education to have an opinion on this, but if we only asked our government to provide services to children that can't be provided by "relatively decent parenting," we'd be in big trouble.

I am really scratching my head trying to figure out what your point is (if any). Help me out here.

Our standard for what government should or should not do can't be based on whether "relatively decent parenting" could provide something in the absence of government action. Because the sad fact is that "relatively decent parenting" is kind of rare.

 

[jon_mx]

I don't really know enough about pre-K education to have an opinion on this, but if we only asked our government to provide services to children that can't be provided by "relatively decent parenting," we'd be in big trouble.

I am really scratching my head trying to figure out what your point is (if any). Help me out here.

Our standard for what government should or should not do can't be based on whether "relatively decent parenting" could provide something in the absence of government action. Because the sad fact is that "relatively decent parenting" is kind of rare.

And 'relatively decent teaching' isn't? If it just becomes the usual battle of bashing parents or teachers, nothing will be gained.