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.

2010 Governor's Race

Here they are -- the candidates. Democrat and Republican. Sort of ranked by likelihood they can win their party's primary.

First, the GOP:

Bill Haslam: The favorite. TONS of cash (over $3 million), progressive record as Mayor, access to personal cash, and fairly appealing publicly.

Zach Wamp: The Congressman. And the most likely conservative candidate to win. Strong statewide name ID, a solid conservative record in Congress, decent ability to raise money.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey: competing with Wamp for conservative votes. Should do well in NE Tennessee, decent fundraising, lots of name ID from beating John Wilder for LG in 2007 and holding the job - the official GOP answer to Gov. Bredesen.

Bill Gibbons: the only GOP candidate NOT from East TN. Tough on crime, not sure he can raise much cash, but may be able to lock down West TN Republican votes which could help if the race stays a 4-way contest


Now, the Democrats

Senator Roy Herron: a solid fundraiser, good connections, probably the best Democrat on the stump and a tireless campaigner. Lots of attention this session on paper ballots, ethics.

Mike McWherter: also from West TN, son of very popular former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, successful businessman, solid fundraising.

Senator Jim Kyle: not officially in, but looks like a candidate. Great job navigating this year's tough legislative session, good fundraiser, getting better on the stump, great recent article in the Tennessean -- Memphis base could be very helpful, depending on how the local pols play out for/against him

Ward Cammack: wealthy investment banker, Nashville, access to money, easily the most "liberal" of all the Democrats, very strong on the environment/economy -- which should help him in the primary. Still needs work on education, not super-exciting on the stump

Kim McMillan: former House Majority Leader, the first candidate in, decent money raised so far. The only female candidate on either side -- playing for the votes of Democratic women could be helpful in a very crowded primary -- if all 5 stay in and she keeps up her aggressive schedule and can raise decent money, she could win.