Dear Friends,
As we prepare for Christmas, I wanted to touch base with you one last time until my office opens up again on Monday of next week. State offices are closed on Thursday and Friday in celebration of Christmas. Like many of you, I've put up my lights and wrapped my gifts, and look forward to a hearty Christmas supper (it's my family's turn to cook for our entire extended family).
I came across this article by David French in the National Review Online, and felt compelled to pass it along to you. I think it puts many things into proper perspective. I hope that it touches you as much as it did me. Pray for our troops, and have a very Merry Christmas.
Ken Horn
From the National Review Online:
Christmas ‘Over There’
An Iraq veteran remembers a desert Yuletide.
By David French
When I saw the commercial, I laughed out loud.
By now, you’ve probably seen it. A small group of Marines is out in the desert, obviously suffering in the sweltering heat. But then . . . a single snowflake falls. Then another. Then another. Smiling in wonder, the Marines hold their hands out in joy and relief. The heat has broken.
The commercial then flashes to a scene back home, where a child has just left a department-store Santa. “What did you ask for?” he’s asked.
“Something for my Dad.”
Heartwarming, right? Well, yes. Because of the intent. But I laughed out loud because of the reality.
“Why are you laughing?” My kids were puzzled by my reaction.
“Because I’ve seen a Christmas snow in the desert, and it’s not like that.” Well, I’d seen snow in the desert right after Christmas, to be exact. It was early January 2008, we were in the midst of Operation Raider Harvest in northwest Diyala province, and it snowed. In the desert.
“What was it like?”
“Well, it was cold, and when the snow hit the dust—” (we didn’t really have much sand where we were; instead, the desert floor was covered by a fine dust) “—it melted and turned the ground into something like that chocolate pudding we put in your school lunches. And when I stepped in it, the mud sucked down my boots — it would have sucked them right off if I didn’t tie them so tightly. And don’t even get me started on our vehicles. The tanks threw enough mud behind them to fill up a swimming pool, and some of the Humvees just got stuck. It was wet, it was muddy, and it was miserable.”
When I landed in Iraq, one of the first things I was told was, “In Iraq, every day is Monday.” And to that I’d add: “And the Grinch always steals Christmas.”
Especially for the men on the line, there is no weekly or even monthly rhythm of life like we have in the States. You just do what you do, day in and day out, until you go home. Then one day you go to the dining facility (if you’re fortunate enough to be working from a base), and there’s a cake and some Christmas decorations. A few days later, there’s another set of decorations. Your friends tell you “Merry Christmas,” then “Happy New Year,” and you just keep working. In my case, that meant preparations for a New Year’s offensive. For others, that meant another patrol. For still others, it meant another broken tank to fix, more rounds to load into the howitzer, or more time hunched over a radio.
I did make one special accommodation for Christmas, and it turned out to be more painful than it was worth. My wife and I arranged for my family back home to open presents during a break in my planning schedule. I planned to run back to my quarters, fire up my computer, and use the tenuous wireless network my friends and I had rigged (using a second-hand satellite dish) to watch the kids open the Wii I’d ordered from Amazon. (If I couldn’t be with them, I could still try to buy their love.)
The connection worked flawlessly. The picture flickered, then I saw my wife’s smiling face above two little heads that bobbed into the screen. “Hi Daddy!” my kids said. I waved, told them I didn’t have much time, and asked if they’d go ahead and open the package I sent.
“A Wii!” they yelled. “Thank you!” The screen jumped. I heard my son say, “Daddy, are you there?” And then it froze. Later I learned that the loss of the picture caused a tidal wave of tears back home. On my end, it caused a tidal wave of words I don’t repeat in polite company. But I didn’t have time to reconnect, so I left my desk and went back to work.
A few days later, I boarded a helicopter and did my small part to support the first offensive of my deployment. I didn’t hear my wife’s or kids’ voices for the next 35 days as I slept in tents, walked the streets of tiny Iraqi towns, and generally counted my blessings since I at least had a cot — 300 other members of 2d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment (Lt. Col. Paul T. Calvert, commanding) were living in the backs of Humvees, Bradleys, and Abramses.
At first, I thought of 2007 as the year I missed Christmas. But my wife helped me see things differently. After hearing my stories — what it was like for the people of Diyala province before our squadron arrived, and then the “awakening” that followed as we slowly and at great cost cleared and held the ground — she said, “You didn’t miss Christmas. For those Iraqis, you were Christmas.”
And in a real and meaningful way, she was right. Christmas is the ultimate story of birth and hope: How a light (the Light) came into the world to make all things new. Of course, we can’t make claims that grand. But in our Christmas, we brought our own kind of hope. We brought the most basic comforts of life — food to eat, fuel to heat their homes, and, most important, a chance at a new beginning. And as I look at Iraq now and see how far it has come since that cold, muddy — and snowy — time two years ago, it seems that perhaps, just perhaps, enough people have seized that chance to allow real rebirth.
And so . . . to our men and women “down range,” Merry Christmas, be safe, and know that your work and your life are precious to our nation . . . and in the sight of God.
—David French is a senior counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund and a captain in the United States Army Reserve.
National Review Online - http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MGQzN2M2OGIyZDZmYThiZTliYmM3ZDMxZWEyODlhMTk=
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
SB 981 - Prospective Education Reform
BILL HIGHLIGHTS: Would amend the Revised School Code to:
• Create Schools of Excellence (new kind of charter school).*
• Allow two statewide cyber schools.
• Establish administrator certification and alternative administrator certification.*
• Require that teacher and administrator evaluation be linked to student growth.*
• Require merit pay.*
• Modify the Algebra II requirement for high school graduation.*
• Require charter school contract renewal to be based on student achievement.*
• Allow charter school enrollment priority for certain charter schools.
• Require closure of a charter school if it is in lowest achieving 5% of all public schools and phase w of restructuring sanctions under the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Pre-Labor Day school start and mandatory kindergarten are NOT included.
• Add very mild language about tenure.
BILL CONTENT:
Schools of Excellence:
• Approximately 32 Schools of Excellence could open. These would be existing high-performing charter schools that "convert" from traditional charters under the current cap to become "School of Excellence" charters.
• For every designated School of Excellence, a new charter contract would become available under the current cap. Charters that replace Schools of Excellence would have to be located in a school district with a graduation rate lower than 75%.
• Another 10 contracts for Schools of Excellence could be issued by January 1, 2015 if 50% of the new schools are high schools and they are located in a school district with less than 75% graduation rate.
• K-8 SoEs must meet criteria of 90% MEAP proficient OR 70% proficient and 50% free/reduced lunch.
• High school SoEs must meet criteria of 80% graduation rate, 80% attendance rate, and 80% post-secondary enrollment rate.
Cyber Schools
• Two statewide cyber Schools of Excellence could open with initial enrollment of 400 each.
• Each cyber school may expand to 1000 pupils in subsequent years, as long as 50% of the added pupil population are recovered dropouts. Homeschool students could not attend a cyber school.
Administrator Certification/Alternative Certification
• Would require a certification process for school administrators. Current administrators would be grandfathered in; new administrators hired after the bill's effective date would be required to enroll in a certification program within 6 months of employment, and would have 3 years to complete the certification requirements, or be dismissed. The State Superintendent would be responsible for establishing the rules, procedures and endorsements for administrator certification. An administrator certificate would be valid for 5 years, at which time it would have to be renewed.
• Would require the department to "recognize alternative pathways" to administrator certification, based on experience or alternative preparation, as approved by the State Board of Education.
Teacher/Administrator Evaluation
• Would require a school district, charter school or ISD to implement for all teachers and administrators an annual performance evaluation system that would evaluate performance in a way that uses student growth data as a "significant factor." The evaluation would have to be used to determine the effectiveness of teachers and administrators, while ensuring that they are given ample opportunity for improvement, and to inform decisions regarding promotion, retention, and development of teacher and school administrators.
Merit Pay
• Would require a school district, charter school or ISD to implement for all teachers and administrators an annual performance evaluation system that would evalute peformance in a way that uses student growth data as a significant factor in determining compensation and additional compensation.
• If a collective bargaining agreement is in effect that prevents compliance, the above requirement would not apply until that agreement expires.
Algebra II Modification
• Clarifies that the Algebra II requirement for high school graduation may be satisfied through a Career Technical Education (CTE) course.
• This language was pulled from SB 698 (Kuipers), which passed the Senate 36-0 on 8/19/09.
Charter School Provisions
• Would require charter school contract renewal to be based on student achievement.
• Allow charter school enrollment priority for:
o Siblings of pupils;
o Transfers from other charters who have an agreement with the enrolling charter.
• Allow the State Superintendent to close a charter school if it is in the lowest achieving 5% of the state and phase 2 of restructuring sanctions under No Child Left Behind.
• Create Schools of Excellence (new kind of charter school).*
• Allow two statewide cyber schools.
• Establish administrator certification and alternative administrator certification.*
• Require that teacher and administrator evaluation be linked to student growth.*
• Require merit pay.*
• Modify the Algebra II requirement for high school graduation.*
• Require charter school contract renewal to be based on student achievement.*
• Allow charter school enrollment priority for certain charter schools.
• Require closure of a charter school if it is in lowest achieving 5% of all public schools and phase w of restructuring sanctions under the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Pre-Labor Day school start and mandatory kindergarten are NOT included.
• Add very mild language about tenure.
BILL CONTENT:
Schools of Excellence:
• Approximately 32 Schools of Excellence could open. These would be existing high-performing charter schools that "convert" from traditional charters under the current cap to become "School of Excellence" charters.
• For every designated School of Excellence, a new charter contract would become available under the current cap. Charters that replace Schools of Excellence would have to be located in a school district with a graduation rate lower than 75%.
• Another 10 contracts for Schools of Excellence could be issued by January 1, 2015 if 50% of the new schools are high schools and they are located in a school district with less than 75% graduation rate.
• K-8 SoEs must meet criteria of 90% MEAP proficient OR 70% proficient and 50% free/reduced lunch.
• High school SoEs must meet criteria of 80% graduation rate, 80% attendance rate, and 80% post-secondary enrollment rate.
Cyber Schools
• Two statewide cyber Schools of Excellence could open with initial enrollment of 400 each.
• Each cyber school may expand to 1000 pupils in subsequent years, as long as 50% of the added pupil population are recovered dropouts. Homeschool students could not attend a cyber school.
Administrator Certification/Alternative Certification
• Would require a certification process for school administrators. Current administrators would be grandfathered in; new administrators hired after the bill's effective date would be required to enroll in a certification program within 6 months of employment, and would have 3 years to complete the certification requirements, or be dismissed. The State Superintendent would be responsible for establishing the rules, procedures and endorsements for administrator certification. An administrator certificate would be valid for 5 years, at which time it would have to be renewed.
• Would require the department to "recognize alternative pathways" to administrator certification, based on experience or alternative preparation, as approved by the State Board of Education.
Teacher/Administrator Evaluation
• Would require a school district, charter school or ISD to implement for all teachers and administrators an annual performance evaluation system that would evaluate performance in a way that uses student growth data as a "significant factor." The evaluation would have to be used to determine the effectiveness of teachers and administrators, while ensuring that they are given ample opportunity for improvement, and to inform decisions regarding promotion, retention, and development of teacher and school administrators.
Merit Pay
• Would require a school district, charter school or ISD to implement for all teachers and administrators an annual performance evaluation system that would evalute peformance in a way that uses student growth data as a significant factor in determining compensation and additional compensation.
• If a collective bargaining agreement is in effect that prevents compliance, the above requirement would not apply until that agreement expires.
Algebra II Modification
• Clarifies that the Algebra II requirement for high school graduation may be satisfied through a Career Technical Education (CTE) course.
• This language was pulled from SB 698 (Kuipers), which passed the Senate 36-0 on 8/19/09.
Charter School Provisions
• Would require charter school contract renewal to be based on student achievement.
• Allow charter school enrollment priority for:
o Siblings of pupils;
o Transfers from other charters who have an agreement with the enrolling charter.
• Allow the State Superintendent to close a charter school if it is in the lowest achieving 5% of the state and phase 2 of restructuring sanctions under No Child Left Behind.
HB 4787 - Prospective Education Reforms
SHORT SUMMARY:
• Would amend the Revised School Code to include failing school reforms, raise the drop-out age and modify high school graduation requirements.
BILL HIGHLIGHTS:
• Reform Failing Schools* - Would allow the state to impose reforms on or take over the lowest achieving 5% of all public schools. In the process, some collective bargaining agreements could be modified or eliminated.
• Raise Drop-out Age** - Would raise the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18
• Modify Graduation Requirements*** - Would allow a student to modify math requirements through a Personal Curriculum earlier in their high school career.
BILL CONTENT: Would amend the Revised School Code to:
Reform Failing Schools:
• Starting with Fall 2010, each year the State Superintendent must publish a list identifying the lowest achieving 5% of all public schools. Includes high schools with a graduation rate lower than 60 percent.
• The State Superintendent would issue an order placing those schools under the state school reform/redesign officer (SRRO).
• Within 90 days, the school board must submit a redesign plan to the SRRO requiring implementation under one of four failing school intervention models provided for under ARRA (Turnaround, Restart, Closure and Tranformation). The plan must allow for modification of collective bargaining agreements.
• Within 30 days, the SRRO must approve or change the redesign plan.
• If the SRRO changes the plan, the school board has 30 days to resubmit.
• If the SRRO approves a redesign plan, the school board must implement it at the start of the next school year.
• If the SRRO does not approve a plan, or determines the plan is not working, the school may be placed into the state school reform/redesign district. The SRRO may impose one of the four intervention models beginning with the next school year, and may impose a modification of collective bargaining agreements.
• The SRRO may appoint a CEO for a school or multiple schools. The CEO would have similar powers to impose reforms and modify collective bargaining agreements.
• Under a restart or turnaround model, the SRRO or CEO may contract with an educational management company to run a school; under these models collective bargaining agreements would not be maintained.
• The SRRO could recommend a school be released from the above requirements if significant improvement in student achievement is made.
• The SRRO would be hired by and directly responsible to the State Superintendent. The position would be exempt from classified civil service. The SRRO would submit a report annually to the Legislature.
Raise Drop-Out Age:
• Beginning with current sixth graders, the compulsory attendance age would be increased from age 16 to age 18. All existing exceptions (private schools, homeschoolers, etc.) would still apply. Parents would be able to sign a waiver to allow a student to stop attending school at age 16.
Modify Graduation Requirements:
• Would allow a student to modify math requirements through a Personal Curriculum after ninth grade and after having attempted 1.5 math credits (currently, they must successfully complete 2.5 math credits in order to modify).
• Would amend the Revised School Code to include failing school reforms, raise the drop-out age and modify high school graduation requirements.
BILL HIGHLIGHTS:
• Reform Failing Schools* - Would allow the state to impose reforms on or take over the lowest achieving 5% of all public schools. In the process, some collective bargaining agreements could be modified or eliminated.
• Raise Drop-out Age** - Would raise the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18
• Modify Graduation Requirements*** - Would allow a student to modify math requirements through a Personal Curriculum earlier in their high school career.
BILL CONTENT: Would amend the Revised School Code to:
Reform Failing Schools:
• Starting with Fall 2010, each year the State Superintendent must publish a list identifying the lowest achieving 5% of all public schools. Includes high schools with a graduation rate lower than 60 percent.
• The State Superintendent would issue an order placing those schools under the state school reform/redesign officer (SRRO).
• Within 90 days, the school board must submit a redesign plan to the SRRO requiring implementation under one of four failing school intervention models provided for under ARRA (Turnaround, Restart, Closure and Tranformation). The plan must allow for modification of collective bargaining agreements.
• Within 30 days, the SRRO must approve or change the redesign plan.
• If the SRRO changes the plan, the school board has 30 days to resubmit.
• If the SRRO approves a redesign plan, the school board must implement it at the start of the next school year.
• If the SRRO does not approve a plan, or determines the plan is not working, the school may be placed into the state school reform/redesign district. The SRRO may impose one of the four intervention models beginning with the next school year, and may impose a modification of collective bargaining agreements.
• The SRRO may appoint a CEO for a school or multiple schools. The CEO would have similar powers to impose reforms and modify collective bargaining agreements.
• Under a restart or turnaround model, the SRRO or CEO may contract with an educational management company to run a school; under these models collective bargaining agreements would not be maintained.
• The SRRO could recommend a school be released from the above requirements if significant improvement in student achievement is made.
• The SRRO would be hired by and directly responsible to the State Superintendent. The position would be exempt from classified civil service. The SRRO would submit a report annually to the Legislature.
Raise Drop-Out Age:
• Beginning with current sixth graders, the compulsory attendance age would be increased from age 16 to age 18. All existing exceptions (private schools, homeschoolers, etc.) would still apply. Parents would be able to sign a waiver to allow a student to stop attending school at age 16.
Modify Graduation Requirements:
• Would allow a student to modify math requirements through a Personal Curriculum after ninth grade and after having attempted 1.5 math credits (currently, they must successfully complete 2.5 math credits in order to modify).
Friday, December 18, 2009
Working to Save a SOS Branch in 'Muth
HB 5686 is a tough vote for the 94th District. It requires Secretary of States in towns of over 10,000 to maintain their existing branches. Frankenmuth is losing a branch that serves much of three different counties, but has a population of under 6,000. We'd lose our branch either way, but no amendments were allowed.
The Speaker Announces the Passing of Mike Simpson
It was just announced that a fellow Representative Mike Simpson from Jackson just passed away. Out of respect, the House is in recess. He was a good man and a thoughtful legislator. A reminder that life is fragile and our time on earth is brief.
Thoughts and Prayers are extended from the People of the 94th District.
Thoughts and Prayers are extended from the People of the 94th District.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Education Funding Takes Ugly Turn
House Dems pick up their ball and go home on education reform
House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer issued the following statement after House Democrats walked away from negotiations for sensible and needed education reforms and the corresponding federal funding:
"After a long year of kowtowing to Lansing special interests, this latest Democrat tantrum is no surprise. On behalf of Michigan's students, I am greatly disappointed that the Democrats are running from this opportunity to not only reform Michigan schools, but bring home some much-needed funding.
"Once again under Democrat control, political games take precedent over an opportunity for real government reform. It's abundantly clear that House Democrats do not have the votes to enact needed education reform, and once again, House Republican's are ready to lead the way to get this accomplished, and that's exactly what we're doing.
"We're ready to vote on a proposal that accomplishes exactly what President Obama laid out, and the Senate proposal does that. We think that's the right thing to do for Michigan."
House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer issued the following statement after House Democrats walked away from negotiations for sensible and needed education reforms and the corresponding federal funding:
"After a long year of kowtowing to Lansing special interests, this latest Democrat tantrum is no surprise. On behalf of Michigan's students, I am greatly disappointed that the Democrats are running from this opportunity to not only reform Michigan schools, but bring home some much-needed funding.
"Once again under Democrat control, political games take precedent over an opportunity for real government reform. It's abundantly clear that House Democrats do not have the votes to enact needed education reform, and once again, House Republican's are ready to lead the way to get this accomplished, and that's exactly what we're doing.
"We're ready to vote on a proposal that accomplishes exactly what President Obama laid out, and the Senate proposal does that. We think that's the right thing to do for Michigan."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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