Bredesen's W.P.A.

Here is a story about a state going out on a limb and trying an approach that is working -- using stimulus funds now and getting people back to work.

The state? Tennessee.

The template? W.P.A.

Yes, Works Progress Administration-type government work/subsidies are being used in Perry County, TN to drastically reduce unemployment and bring hope to the previously hopeless.

And, read the story. The long-term view is that this early investment will pay off well beyond 2010 when the stimulus dollars run out.

This is exactly the type of stimulus spending we should be seeing across Tennessee and around the country.

Because it puts people to work... and it works.

Senator Stanley caught with his pants down...

Here is the story... extortion is wrong, but then, so is sleeping with interns when you're married

Schools ....

Today is a today about schools for me. Principal and Teacher Quality Task Force at 4:30 and Sumner County School Board budget meeting at 6:00 PM.

You can follow the school board meeting with me here. I'll be there for a while. Looks like budget cuts are on the horizon.

Let's make maximum use of TVAAS

Here's a story about Metro Schools moving toward more consistent use of TVAAS data.

Yes, the data can help identify students and keep them on-track...but it can and should also be used to improve instructional practice and school leadership.

Corker for Prez?

Looks like Bob Corker may be running for President in 2012

which could mean an open U.S. Senate race ... possibly clearing the way for a Republican who loses for Governor in 2010 to run for U.S. Senate in 2012 -- Democrats can play, too.

Campfield for Senate?

it looks like Stacey Campfield may be running for state Senate.

Running for the open seat as a result of Tim Burchett's run for County Mayor.

No word on Democrats who may run....

Actually, teacher prep could be MUCH better

Here is a story on teacher prep in Tennessee.

In the article, a TBR administrator (Paula Myrick Short) says, "it's not like we were doing a bad job of preparing teachers" and then says we need to do more for what is coming in the future -- 3-10 years down the road.

But when I've traveled around the state and talked to teachers, they universally tell me that teacher prep programs in TN are not doing a great job. That there is no requirement that a student demonstrate content knowledge (by passing the Praxis, for example) before being accepted into teacher education programs. That the coursework in teacher ed bears little resemblance to actual classroom practice. That induction into the profession is weak to non-existent.

I have not heard any recent teacher ed graduate from a Tennessee college (state-run) that has said "wow, i had an excellent experience in teacher prep"

The article notes that the "mentors" are paid $250 for mentoring students and they maintain a full-time courseload acting as lead teachers. There is not sufficient training, not sufficient release time, and $250 per semester is far too small in terms of compensation.

Further, there is no mention of how these "mentors" are selected. Are they determined to be "highly effective?" Are they teachers who demonstrate exceptional value-added gains in their own classrooms?

This is the beginning of a good idea. But without proper funding and consideration of very important details, it will likely have little impact in terms of improving teaching practice.