USDE: Duncan Dances On RTTT, ESEA Reauthorization

Carmel Martin looks like she might be about to fall asleep in this picture but the folks at EdWeek put the screws on Arne Duncan during a recent visit to EdWeek's Bethesda compound (Education Week).

Now that the rubber is almost about to hit the road on RTTT, Duncan seems to be backpedaling and defending his positions on charter schools and turnarounds and whether RTTT is based on evidence or not. 

Duncan's ideas about ESEA still seem unformed, though.  Someone needs to remind him that, unlike with RTTT Congress will be closely involved in ESEA reauthorization.  Prepare to spread that money around.

Duncan: The Week's Media Events

Here's Arne Duncan's upcoming schedule of media events and photo ops -- though I can't manage to get excited about any of it.  

Be assured there will be the usual mix of fear-mongering, repetition of talking points, and exhortation. 

Asking Too Much Of Innovation

I am convincing few if any of the innovationistas at the National Journal's education blog that, perhaps, we're asking too much of so-called "inovation."  After all, the question put forth to start the conversation (What's Needed To Make Sure Innovation Is Working?) presumes that innovation is fundamentally a good and right strategy for addressing education's woes.

But I'm having a grand time losing, and have enlisted Dana Goldstein's fascinating and timely article on the rise of innovation as a favorite (fetish?) of the Obama administration.  It's called The Innovation Administration. 

Don't think it's dry and boring or predictably progressive.  There's politics, romance, opportunity, and some surprisingly critical quotes from folks like Eric Nee and Vanessa Kirsch you might think would be unwaveringly enthusiastic. 

Week Ahead: Duncan's Media Schedule

The Secretary went to Chicago for the Michael Scott funeral but he gets a break this week, with a relatively light schedule (besides a bothersome trip to San Antonio - who the hell let that get in?). 

Following his lead, I'll be doing the same, going offline Wednesday.

Cartoon: The Innovative Peanut-Butter Sandwich

Adapted from this week's New Yorker.

Video: Sharpton, Gingrich, Duncan -- So What?

I don't know about you, but the thrill is gone for me over the Sharpton / Gingrich partnership. Adding Duncan to the mix doesn't change that. What have they accomplished, really, besides serving as some sort of media freak show?  And who's paying for them to do these events?

Sharpton and Gingrich, Unlikely Allies, Talk Education CBS News

Arne's Week: From Meet The Press To Cafeteria Worker

EdSec Duncan's going to be on Meet The Press on Sunday with Sharpton and Gringrich, then he'll do a school visit with Steny Hoyer (aka House majority leader). 

Nice photo op on Wednesday when Duncan serves as cafeteria worker (get it?).  Hoping he wears a hair net and baggy gloves for that. 

I think this pic is from a NOLA school visit a few weeks ago. 

For States That Don't Get RTTT, A Race To The Bottom

One more thing before the weekend.  Slate's Chadwick Matlin (A Race to the Bottom) points out the inconsistencies in the Obama administrations' "Race To The Top" strategy -- including the gap that RTTT's reward-the-leaders elements will create for states that don't get money -- and the USDE's wishful thinking about how they'll respond.  It's an age-old problem whether to push the leaders ahead or help the laggards.  The Duncan team would argue that the Stimulus should be considered as part of its broader strategy.  But Matlin's right to note that RTTT lacks a safe harbor provision or restructuring requirement for states that are making progress or are most in need of change. 

Media: RTTT Regs Reactions -- Who Does It Best? [updated]

Everyone's still making WAY too much of a big deal about Race To The Top, given its small size and limited likelihood of making a "moon shot" kind of difference.  Please.  But it sure helps pass the time.  So here's a roundup of the best reactions to the newly-released regulations (seriously, we're covering regulations now?).  Which story has the best quotes?  Who wins the coverage?  No points for predictable reacts from teachers unions, talking heads, etc.  Click below to see and learn. [Updated 2:24 pm]

Rick Hess's Glenn Beck Moment

The usually imperturbable Rick Hess is mysteriously bothered by Duncan's involvement in passing the health care bill in the house (Why Is the Secretary of Education Lobbying on the Healthcare Bill?), but I think he may just be having a Glenn Beck moment to worry that there's something improper or overly political about Duncan's making calls.  That or he just woke up and needed something to say.  Health care reform could be the best thing that ever happened to education, bigger than any conceivable version of RTTT or NCLB 2. It's narrow minded to think that education and health care aren't related, and overly proper to say that a Cabinet member can't help his President push legislation forward.

Duncan's Weekly Media Schedule: Let It Be Your Guide.

Here's Duncan's media schedule for the week.  Plan your days around it.  Let it be your guide.  It is the center of the education universe.  There is nothing about it that is stale, empty, or without news value.  What Duncan says and where he says it is vastly more important (and easier to cover) than anything going on in a real school, district, or statehouse. Ignore all other temptations.

Need Technology? There's An App For That

The well-regarded Karen Cator is coming in from Apple to head the USDE's ed tech efforts.  We'll try not to hold her previous place of employment against her.  (Hey, at least she's not from Google.)  And it's been too long since there was some good edtech coming out of the USDE.  Read all about it here and here.

RTTT: All States Should Apply...No One's Ineligible

Education Department said Massachusetts did not break stimulus rules AP
The department's inspector general had singled out Massachusetts and two other states, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, for using stimulus dollars to plug budget holes instead of boosting aid for schools.

Ed Secretary Advises Oregon To Compete For Funds OPB
“You know, there’s literally hundreds of millions of dollars that could come to states that are willing to lead the country where we need to go. So it’s a huge, huge opportunity at a time of great need, and I absolutely hope and anticipate that Oregon will put its best foot forward.”

No way to secure school funding  LA Times
Legislation by state Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) and several coauthors would pave the way for those changes, but the bill is so awkwardly constructed at this point, with so many unnecessary and possibly harmful additions, that it doesn't deserve the fast-track passage Romero is seeking.

Evaluating Stimulus Reporting EdWeek
Despite the Obama administration's efforts to make economic-stimulus spending as transparent as possible, the first quarterly stimulus reports filed by states and other stimulus recipients don't go into very much detail about how the money was actually spent.

Minnesota Group Pushes 'Good Samaritan' Rule US News
Under new rule, students could call emergency services if a friend is drunk and not get in trouble.

Week Ahead: Ducan Goes To Madison (With Obama)

Of all the Secretary's news-free media events this week, I pick the Wednesday event with the President in Wisconsin as the biggest, emptiest, most gloriously rhetorical of the lot.  

That is, unless (a) they're going to add universal preschool to health care reform at the last minute or (b) they're going to send state education officials who lowered standards to Guantanamo or (c) they're rolling out their NCLB reauthorization blueprint.

Or, maybe you have a better idea for Wednesday in Madison?

Duncan: Secretary's Media Schedule

Click below for the details.

Quotes: Jeb Bush And Arne Duncan "Agree On Everything Important"

"I'd like to see Republicans work closely with the Obama White House on education, an area where Jeb Bush and Arne Duncan, the secretary of education, agree on everything important." (Prospects for Bipartisanship Matt Yglesias)

Ed Schools: Duncan Calls For Changes, Omits Bold Proposals

Yesterday the USDE leaked bits of Duncan's speech at Columbia (scheduled for this afternoon) and somehow got a few folks to cover it as news.  Nick Anderson is impressed (Duncan to ed schools Washington Post). Libby Quaid is...descriptive (Obama’s education secretary calls for overhaul of college teacher prep programs AP).

What the coverage leaves out is that Duncan won't be anywhere near the first to tout the importance of teaching or lament the sad state of teacher prep programs.  Or the first to mention Alverno, Emporia State, residency programs, the Levine report. 

In addition, there are precious few real details in Duncan's speech about what if any means the Secretary is going to try and use to make ed schools change their evil ways.  He mentions changes will come as part of NCLB reauthorization, but that's a long way off.  He mentions teacher quality partnership grants, but that's less than $200M.  No bold specifics like rating ed schools based on graduates' performance or longevity, or limiting Pell grant eligibility to ed schools that meet certain performance characteristics.

To Duncan's credit, he notes that this is a quality problem, not a teacher shortage, and that alt cert programs train fewer than 10K candidates a year (out of 200K overall).But it's just a speech.  A very nice, somewhat long, quote-laden speech that someone finally sent me this morning.  In other words, in thiss balloon-boy era, it's news!  The text of the speech is below.  See for yourself. 

USDE: Innovations Chief Shows Great Return On Investment

Talk about a good return on your investment.  According to this post from BlockShopper.com (Charity program director sells in Le Droit Park), Shelton more than doubled his money when he recently sold his Florida Avenue condo. Shelton is in charge of the i3 innovation fund that you've been hearing a lot about. 

DUNCAN: Schedule Speeches For The Week

Let the wild rumpus begin!

A few days later than usual -- what's going on, USDE folks? -- here's the official media schedule for the USDE for this week.  In a word:  Speeches, speeches, speeches, speeches. 

As always, education reporters, do remember to report these events as if they contained real news. References to "dog and pony show" and use of the words "spin," "propaganda," "more hot air" and wishful thinking" are generally frowned upon.

Quotes: The "New" Federal Education Role

"When schools are doing really well, we want to get out of the way. When they are really struggling, we want to support them." Arne Duncan (WSJ.com)

Chicago Modifies Duncan Plan For High Schools

In a surprising about-face, Chicago schools chief Ron Huberman announced yesterday afternoon that students attending Fenger high school on Chicago's far South Side would be allowed to transfer back to schools closer to home rather than continuing to attend Fenger, the scene of neighborhood conflicts and recent violence.  (Stories here here and here.) Last week as you may recall, former Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan vigorously denied that changes in attendance areas were to blame for the increased youth violence in Chicago and specifically the death of Darrion Albert, the honors student who was murdered after school in September. The Mayor derided the notion of making changes that would conform to gang or neighborhood boundaries. 

Week Ahead: The Secretary's Public Media Schedule

Watch out!  Arne's got you covered.

Here's the Secretary's schedule of official public media events, including a trip to New Orleans on Wednesday with the President. 

 

How Duncan Responded To Undeserved Recognition

Politicians and political appointees often seek (or are offered) accolades that are not yet deserved. This doesn't usually stop them from accepting.  On Friday, President Obama was awarded a prize that many seemed to think he didn't yet warrant. So it seems worth noting now that almost exactly a year ago, when he was still just the head of the Chicago schools, Arne Duncan turned down an award from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence because, well, he felt like he didn't deserve it. 

Past recipients had included President Clinton, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and members of the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate. But Duncan turned the award down -- as he should have.  Youth violence had been on the upswing for several years in Chicago. Eight school-aged children had already been killed in the first month of the year.  So Duncan gave an emotional speech, received a standing ovation from the audience, and left the award behind.  

It's a response that I wish Duncan -- and the President -- would employ more often.

Violence Summit. Beer Summit.

Duncan, Holder, Huberman, and Daley meeting to discuss the state of youth violence in America:

DUNCAN WATCH: The Secretary's Schedule (10/5-10/9)

SAT UPDATE:  Also omitted from his official calendar:  Duncan is scheduled to be on The Colbert Report on Monday. 

UPDATE 2:  Duncan won't be there for Holder's visit, now scheduled for Thursday.

There's nothing about Secretary Duncan's violence prevention event in Chicago on Wednesday afternoon.  He'll be there with USAG Holder.

But by now we're used to having things omitted from this highly selected list of media photo ops.  (Last week there was no mention of his trip to Copenhagen.)

Hey, at least he's putting in a full week.

NCLB: The Rush Towards Reauthorization

Per yesterday's editorial in the Times (Mr. Duncan and That $4.3 Billion): I guess someone forgot to tell the editorial board that "Race To The Top" is old news.  Selection, implementation -- they've got that in the bag.  It's all about No Child Left Behind reauthorization now.  It's urgent.  We have to do it now.  Haven't you heard?

Well, that's what Arne et al want us to believe.  And so far, the media seems to be going along.  Perhaps they, too, are worried about what's really going to happen when it comes time to award and make real the high-flying promises in those applications.  They bought Duncan's soaring rhetoric about "moon shots" and those tempting factoids about Duncan having more discretionary funding than any Secretary before.

The internal logic of turning to NCLB may even simpler:  having Obama's number-two domestic reform agenda item lined up to be ready when health care is done, one way or the other, no matter whether RTTT is still being rolled out or not.  In reality, RTTT was nothing more than an oversized appropriation -- short-term filler, vamping during the rollout of ARRA and the health care debate.

People: Conservatives Target Gay Obama Education Official

I got in trouble with Mike Klonsky a few weeks ago for suggesting on Twitter that the conservative right's next Obama administration target might be "the gay guy" running the USDE's Safe And Drug Free Schools Program (ie, Kevin Jennings).  According to this Gawker post from late last week, my instincts were (sadly) correct:

Y

Meet the Next "Czar" Target Gawker

DUNCAN: The Secretary's Media Schedule (Minus Copehagen)

Here's the Secretary's official media schedule for next week, which mysteriously does not include the trip to Copenhagen to tout Chicago's Olympics bid.

It's not a secret that he's going -- the White House announced it.  And sure, the USDE's probably not paying for the trip. 

But it's strange not to include it since we all know about it already. It's as if he's hiding or something (see him?). They could have just put a note explaining the trip or something.

SCHEDULE: No, You're Not Invited To That NEA Meeting

The USDE press office was famous during the Bush years for sending and then "recalling" press releases. That hasn't happened much with the new guys, but this isn't all that much better:

In other scheduling news, the White House announced Thursday that EdSec Duncan would be headed to Copenhagen to help support the effort to win the Olympics for Chicago. 

RTTT: Andy Wants You...To Review Grant Proposals

Check out this email solicitation from Andy Rotherham. They're looking a few good men and women to help give cover to review RTTT grant applications.

RTTT: Priorities Aren't Really Research-Based Consensus Items

"In reality, the Race to the Top priorities reflect a particular, narrow agenda. I hope that they can make a difference, but I’m not nearly as confident as the Duncan team appears to be in the items that they’ve chosen."  Me, in a recent Scholastic column.

Fritz: The Standards Are Coming, The Standards Are Coming

Fritz says that the draft common standards are going to come out next week, and the regs for the I3 fund (aka innovation) will be out soon, too.  

Cunningham: "I Missed It."

“The lesson here is you have to be very, very careful about these things.”

- Duncan communications guru Peter Cunningham about last week's flipflap.

(How Obama's Pep Talk Became a Publicity Headache)

Duncan: The Secretary's Media Schedule Sept. 14-18

Another week, another week of media events by the USDE. 

The Department seems to be emphasizing the student aid thing on Tuesday.  Me, I'm more excited about the Broad Foundation announcement for top urban school district in the country, and the visits to OK City and Casper, Wyo. 

Still no word on if and when we get to see the schedule and visitor logs for Arne Duncan, though the White House recently decided to release visitor information for the President.

Face The Nation: Did Duncan Make It Worse?

The story was well on its way to being knocked down -- finally -- by this weekend (see roundup of mainstream pundits here); pretty much everyone but Glenn Beck and George Will had decried the uproar over a bland speech.  But did Arne Duncan then go and make things worse on Sunday, by describing parents who were keeping their children home over the Obama speech as "silly"? 

‘Silly’ to keep kids home to avoid Obama speech CNN
Secretary Endorses Obama’s Talk for Students
Fuss Over Obama Students' Speech 'Silly,' Duncan Says

I'm not saying Duncan's wrong, and I'm sure ready to move on to something else.  But his comment, directed at parents rather than politicians and conservative pundits (and media outlets) who fanned the flames over a bland speech, seems like it could give the story legs just when the furor seems to have been dying down.  See the Obama comment about the police acting "stupidly" for an example of what I'm talking about.

USDE: Which Schools Get Duncan Invites?

I had my own conspiracy theory going this summer that the USDE was focusing on charter schools in its education events (aka "Read to the Top") and Secretary school visits, in some sort of move to highlight charters and punish Michelle Rhee (who runs the district schools).  It seemed like there were a lot of charter school events, though I wasn't keeping track.  So I asked the USDE for the list of schools and got this information back about the Read to the Top events -- nothing about the school visits.  The conspiracy lives!  Read To The Top Students Schools Summer 09

Oops! White House Caves On "Back To School" Speech

"In an acknowledgment that the Department of Education provided lesson plans written somewhat inartfully, surrounding the President Obama’s speech to students next Tuesday, the White House today announced that it had rewritten one of the sections in question." (WH, Dept of Education Revise Language on Students Jake Tapper)

Wow.  A small but easy win for conservative foes of the Administration.  A first mis-calculation for Arne et al. 

EDSEC: Duncan's Press Schedule August 31-September 4

Here it is -- another week, another round of media events for Arne "Kingmaker" Duncan.

Big events of the week?

Friday education summit in California.

Sunday appearance on Face The Nation.

EDSEC: Duncan's Press Schedule August 24-28

Here you go.  Let the week begin.

The week starts with a swine flu event (Rhee, Sebelius), then a nod to STEM and an MLK event, blah blah...

Things heat up a couple days later with a visit to Las Vegas with Harry Reid and then a St. Louis, Mo appearance with Randi Weingarten, who's doing a back to school tour around the country.

Two "Read to the Top" events in a week?  Oh, well, it's August I guess.  Not much else to do.  

Remember:  I'm mostly on Twitter again this week.  For all the latest ee rolling Twitter updates posted a few posts down, or come into the Twitterverse and find me at alexanderrusso.

PHOTO: DPC Head Melody Barnes Reads To DCPS Students

Here's a pic from Jezebel.com of DPC policy director Melody Barnes at yesterday's Read To The Top events.

I think she was actually reading to  DC public school students, too.  

I'm checking with the Department to see what the breakout has been.For a while it seemed like only DC charter schools were getting media event love.  

Still no word on when if ever Duncan's going to invite the Opportunity Scholarship kids over to the Department.  

DUNCAN: Schedule Of Press Events For The Week

Here you go.

Highlights include Rahm Emanuel and Melody Barnes reading aloud.

And then ... Alaska!

Am hoping for fun pics of Duncan in a snowmobile outfit or something.

CHICAGO: Has Duncan Been Subpoenaed In Federal Clout Investigation?

Eventually people besides me are going to have to start asking Secretary Duncan about this clout scandal that's unfolding in Chicago. And, eventually, Duncan is probably going to have to say something about the situation.

The latest news is that Board President Michael Scott (I know!) has admitted being subpoenaed and will only attest that he never made calls to get connected kids into elite schools.  As to whether others may have done so, he is quoted as saying "That's a different question." 

That's him in the background of this recent picture with Arne and current Chicago schools chief Ron Huberman.  Click to enlarge.  Though there are mysteriously few pictures in Google Images of the two of them together, Scott and Arne worked together for years.

My assumption is that Duncan has already been subpoenaed.  Hell, he might have been back in Chicago last week to testify in front of the grand jury.  But we'll never know what's going on until more reporters (and members of the public) start asking.

CLOUT: Chicago "Clout" Story Goes National, Heads Duncan's Way

NPR's Morning Edition is the first national news outlet to run a story about the federal investigation of clout in the Chicago public school system (Elite Chicago Public Schools Admissions Probed). 

Meantime, a local TV news station in Chicago aired footage of the mayor being asked Arne Duncan's possible role in the mess. "You don't know, it all depends -- you have to find out," says Daley.  Watch video below.

 

On Saturday, Duncan's spokespeople said that they didn't have anything to say about this:"The Department of Education has nothing to say at this point." Feds Start Investigation Of Chicago Schools

CHICAGO: Sun Times Edit Board Questions Narrow RttT Focus On Data Systems

 I'm not exactly sure why Duncan did this editorial board with the Chicago Sun Times last week -- much less let them videotape it -- but there are some interesting moments (video below the break). 

You get to see how sincere Duncan is in lamenting the youth violence that's become pretty much constant in Chicago over the last few years, and you get to see how candid he is in criticizing his own work and that of the rest of the city in addressing the issue. 

Kudos for candor and sincerity.But you also get to see that Duncan doesn't really seem to have great ideas for what to do about the problems that Chicago and other big districts are facing. He touts his new Safe and Drug Free guy Kevin Jennings, talks about a Cincinnati program called the Fifth Quarter, mumbles something about how the Safe and Drug Free program is going to move towards more competitive grants (wuh?), and talks about longer hours and community schools being the best way to go for kids and safety. 

But there's no real focus on these things in RttT and $5 billion won't get you there.  So Duncan doesn't have much to say when editorial page write Kate Grossman (off camera) asks him why none of these things -- youth safety, community schools especially -- are RttT priority: "Why isn't that as important as data systems?" she asks. 

DUNCAN: The Secretary's Weekly Press Schedule

Still no word on if and when we get to see his real schedule, but in the meantime here's his press events for the week:

Nothing in there that seems particularly interesting, though I'm sure someone will get suckered into covering some of it.

CLOUT: Feds Start Investigation Of Chicago Schools [updated]

The Chicago Tribune's Stephanie Banchero has learned that Federal authorities have now begun their own investigation of the Chicago schools' magnet and selective enrollment program, long rumored to give preference to connected and wealthy parents who are trying to get their children into extremely competitive public schools.  

Representatives for the Secretary didn't respond to inquiries I made last week about whether Duncan had ever been approached to help get a child into a selective school, and by whom.  I've put in additional emails today asking whether Duncan has been contacted or is part of the investigation. According to the Tribune story, a grand jury has issued a subpoena to the Board of Education.

UPDATE:  Saturday afternoon, Duncan communications chief Peter Cunningham responded by email: "The Department of Education has nothing to say at this point."

   

DUNCAN: Magnet Admissions Scandal Brewing In Chicago

News from Chicago is that some children have been getting "clouted" into competitive elementary and high schools based on connections rather than through merit or the lottery (District officials probe admissions at top public schools Tribune,  Investigation of CPS admissions requested Sun Times).  Duncan's replacement has ordered an investigation.  I've asked whether Duncan knew about this and what he did to address it. 

DUNCAN: The Secretary's Media Schedule July 27-31

Weekly reading.

Speeches in front of La Raza and the Urban League and the GE Foundation.

Orlando listening tour school visit.

Nothing on Wednesday and Friday.

REFORM: Unanswered Questions About "Race To The Top"

Q:  How many states currently meet all the requirements for receiving funds?

The USDE says everyone's eligible to apply but won't say how many are currently in any kind of a position to do so. My guess is no more than 15.

Q:  Which states (besides CA and NY) currently aren't eligible (ie, firewalls, lack of data systems, charter caps)?

Again, the USDE won't say who's out of the running if they don't make substantial changes or commitments. Am working on this.

Q:  About how many states are going to get funded, and what is the grant amount going to be?

Big surprise -- no answers on this one, either.  My guess is 8-10 states, max.

Q:  Is RttT funding linked to any larger, ongoing funding sources (FIE, Title I)?

I'm pretty sure the answer to this one is no, which begs the question why would a state jump through lots of hoops to get so little money.

Q:  Have the main stakeholders -- chiefs, governors, teachers, state legislators -- indicated their interest and approval in the RttT process?

The teachers are hedging their bets (see AFT presser below and NEA quote here).  Not sure about the others, but I think not.

DUNCAN: What Does That Guy Do All Day?

A few days ago, I asked the nice people at the USDE press office for a copy of the Secretary's schedule, hoping to find out a little more about what that guys does all day in between press events (In Search Of The Secretary's Schedule). Some of you thought that was a good idea.  Some of you probably thought it was ridiculous.  After thinking it over for a little while, the word came back:  No.  I was politely directed to the FOIA site.

Now, I really didn't want to FOIA anyone.  I'm really lazy and I wasn't even sure why I wanted to see the Secretary's schedule.  But I felt like I had no other choice.  My other request, which was to spend an "all-access" day with the Secretary, was also rebuffed. 

Plus, I was curious about whether the Department -- bastion of transparency and accountability -- would do something amusing like invoking executive privilege or citing national security concerns.   

So now I've done it.  What happens next, I have no idea.  But it's probably not good. My FOIA request is below.  Duncan is doing some sort of RttT event with the White House on Friday and playing basketball in Louisville this weekend.