August 21, 2013

36th District

Reston, Virginia

 

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Let's Take a Break from School Reform 

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

Earlier this month I attended "The Governor's K-12 Education Reform Summit," the second such event put on by the McDonnell administration in as many years. Every governor seems to seek the title of "Education Governor," and Governor McDonnell has used these meetings as a way to burnish his credentials in this regard. Last year's summit had a broad range of speakers on a variety of school reforms, and it was difficult to understand what the agenda would be for reforming the schools. It was only after the summit that the Governor announced his education agenda that included some of the changes that had been the subject of presentations at the summit. At this year's summit we were told how the discussion at last year's meeting had set the agenda. As a participant at both, I was not able to see the connection. Nor did I leave this year's conference with any idea as to what the legislature would be asked to approve.

 

The audience of 200 at this year's summit came from many backgrounds. There were relatively few teachers, school administrators, or school board members. There were many representatives of the new private industry of school reform. The vice-chair of the summit for both years is a lobbyist for a company that sells education reform programs and services to states and school districts.

 

For the various think-tank representatives who specialize in school reform as well as the academics who were on many of the panels, Virginia presents a challenge because Virginia schools are relatively good. On some of the national assessments of educational programs Virginia is fourth in the country. It has been a lot easier to talk school reform in Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee and other states that have awful schools. But even with good measures we need to continue to improve in the Commonwealth rather than fall behind. While our top line scores are good, a close look at the data reveals that minorities are not doing as well as other students. Even with the performance grades we are about to assign to each school, most will admit that the grade tells us as much about the economics of the neighborhood in which the school is located as it does about what goes on in the classroom.

 

Too bad these summits did not bring in more Virginia classroom teachers and listen to them. The few references that were made to the SOL testing brought applause when the suggestion was made that there be less testing. One superintendent in the audience reported that his son who is a junior in high school will be taking his 33rd and 34th SOL tests this year. While the test companies are making a handsome profit in formulating the tests and scoring them, the universal opinion is that they take up entirely too much time, create a needless amount of angst, and the preparation for the tests cuts into valuable instructional time.

 

Too many good teachers are leaving the profession because reforms on top of reforms to satisfy political promises and legacies are shifting schools from their main missions. It is time to end summits, the increased privatization of instructional functions, and reforms. Let teachers do the job they were trained to do in the classroom. Let governors find another legacy! 

 

Virginia Report on Comcast Channel 28

 

Virginia ReportTune in to Ken's weekly television program, Virginia Report, on Reston Comcast Channel 28 for public service programming. Ken interviews state and local leaders who are making news by making a difference. Watch these upcoming programs:

 

TONIGHT - Wednesday, August 21 at 10:30 p.m. -Teri Cochrane, Healing Paths, "Nutrition in the Hot Months" 

   

Tuesday, August 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, August 28 at 10:30 p.m. - Barbara Englehart, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), "Saving energy + money with higher performance buildings"   

 

"Virginia Report" is also available online at www.rctv28.com/virginiareport.html for viewing on your computer or iPad.     

 


National Action to Realize the Dream March

march on washington The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place 50 years ago on August 28th at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.  It was during this march that Dr. King gave his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech that has reverberated for decades. While we celebrate all that has been achieved in the 50 years since that march, we recognize that the "Dream" has not been fulfilled and the battle for justice is ongoing. The name of the march on August 24, 2013 is the "National Action to Realize the Dream March." It is important to use the name when speaking about the march so that people understand that this march is not just a commemoration, but a continuation of the efforts 50 years ago. For details and to register, visit nationalactionnetwork.net/mow/.       

 

50th Anniversary of March on Washington

 

On August 28, 2013 citizens from across the U.S. will converge upon our nation's capital to commemorate and celebrate the historic March On Washington which occurred 50 years ago on August 28, 1963. For information and updates on numerous commemorative marches that are being planned throughout the country, visit 50thanniversarymarchonwashington.com. In addition, the site provides citizens an opportunity to leave their remembrances and pictures of the march that changed the world.  

 

 Bulletin Board 

  

Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3): The American Cancer Society's Research Department is recruiting a diverse group of 500,000 men and women across the U.S. and Puerto Rico for a new research study, the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). CPS-3 will help us better understand the genetic, behavioral, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer, ultimately eliminating cancer as a major health concern for future generations. You are eligible to participate if you are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study by completing a follow-up study every few years over the next 20-30 years; are between 30 and 65 years old; and have never been diagnosed with cancer. CPS-3 is NOT a clinical trial or experiment, a paid study, or sponsored by the government. To find out how you can help create a cancer-free future, visit the Cancer Prevention Study-3 website at www.cancer.org/cps3 or email cps3@cancer.org.

Fairfax County Public Schools to Open on Tuesday, September 3: Summer is coming to a close and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are preparing for the opening of school. For extensive details and reference information about the school division, its programs and services, and contacts for further information on a variety of topics, visit fcps.edu/newsrelease. For comprehensive information to help parents prepare for the upcoming school year visit FCPS's Back to School web site at  www.fcps.edu/news/backtoschool. 

The Virginia Forum invites paper and panel proposals for the ninth annual forum on the theme "Traffic" to be held at George Mason University on March 13-15, 2014. Proposal Deadline: September 30, 2013. The Virginia Forum is an interdisciplinary conference that brings together academics, teachers, writers, archivists, museum curators, historic site interpreters, librarians, and others engaged in the study and interpretation of Virginia history and culture to share their knowledge, research, and experience. The Forum welcomes proposals from scholars, teachers, students, and professionals in all fields. Visit Call for Papers for details.


The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just issued a warning about phishing emails that encourage people to create a my Social Security online account. There also are phishing emails encouraging people to link into their already established SSA online account. SSA advises that if you receive such an email, DO NOT click on links inside the email because it is NOT from Social Security. While my Social Security is a new online service for the public, the agency is not sending emails to generate enrollment. To set up an online account or check your online Social Security account, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Never link to Social Security from an unsolicited email. If you receive a phishing email, forward it to the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at  info@us-cert.gov. For more information about phishing, go to www.onguardonline.gov/phishing. 

Calendar of Events           


TONIGHT: Wednesday, August 21 at 7:00 p.m., Join the protest at the NRA HQ (11250 Waples Mill Road in Fairfax)to protest their stance on gun laws--all of which encourage more guns in more places with less responsibility. Come out and let them know what you think of their positions. Signs and chants are encouraged, however the only thing we will throw at the NRA are words.     

 

Reston Energy Fair's Reston Home Energy Conservation Challenge Thursday, August 22, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. kick-off meeting in the Reston Nature House Meeting Room at the Walker Nature Education Center, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston. Go to energystudies.net for more information. 

 

Reston Regional Library Children's Book Sale, August 22-25: Thursday 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.,  11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston.     

 

Mosaic Harmony Concert for Global Camps Africa, September 5, 7:30 p.m., at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 1700 Wainwright Drive, Reston.  Meet Camp Sizanani counselors and enjoy an evening of great music in support of Global Camps Africa. Buy tickets here or if you prefer to pay at the door, email Ann Granger at ann.granger@globalcampsafrica.org to reserve your seat. 

  

Plum Family Picnic, Saturday, September 7, 3:00-5:00  p.m. at the North Hills Picnic Pavilion in Reston. 

 

Sunday, September 8, 9/11 Unity Walk; Registration begins at 12:00 pm at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb Street NW at Massachusetts Avenue. For more information, visit 9/11 Unity Walk.        

  

Tuesday, September 17, 7:00 p.m., A Place at the Table: A Community Screening & Discussion. The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Interfaith Center invites you to a free screening of A Place at the Table and a community discussion about hunger and poverty, particularly as it impacts children in Virginia. Refreshments and fellowship at 6:30 p.m., at the Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike. The program is free and open to the public. Download a flyer here and invite your congregation, neighbors and friends! Please consider bringing a canned food donation for a local food pantry.   

  

September 20-22: The KORUS Festival brings together Koreans, Americans and other community members in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to celebrate Korean culture. Many aspects of Korea's vibrant and unique culture will be on display in the form of music, dance, food and on-stage performances. For more information contact Jennifer Oh at daavmedia@gmail.com.       

 

Governor's First Biennial Natural Resources and Energy Law Symposium on Monday, September 23 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. Symposium addresses "The Future of Energy" and brings all sides together for rational discussion about legal barriers and solutions to some of the country's most pressing energy challenges. For more information, visit Governor's Natural Resources and Energy Law Symposium.   

  

Thursday, September 26, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2013 Vendor Forum. Small business owners and those interested in starting a small business in Fairfax County should plan to attend the 2013 Vendor Forum at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. More information can be found at this link: Vendor Forum.  

  

Saturday, September 28, Reston Multicultural Festival, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza, 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston. The festival is a celebration of the diversity and community spirit that is found in Reston. Everyone is encouraged to dress in attire from their own cultural roots. For more information, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com/MulticulturalFestival.  

  

Saturday, October 19, Reston Home Tour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. With tickets purchased from Reston Museum, you can tour the inside of five outstanding private homes in Reston's unique neighborhoods. All proceeds benefit Reston Historic Trust which operates Reston Museum.     

 

Wednesday, November 13, Bullying and Violence  Prevention Symposium at Fairfax Community Church, 11451 Braddock Road in Fairfax. The keynote speaker will present research on emotional regulation difficulties and evidence-based therapies, with a panel discussion on effectively training youth to understand and manage their emotions to reduce conflict and aggression. More information is at www.fairfaxyouth.org. 

  

Governor's Transportation Conference, December 4-6, 2013, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street, Richmond. Visit www.vatranscon.com for further information and to sign up to receive conference updates.      
In This Issue
Commentary..."Let's Take a Break from School Reform"
"Virginia Report" on Comcast Channel 28
Bulletin Board
Check Your Calendar
Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News
703-758-9733 * kenplum@aol.com * www.kenplum.com 
 
Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia e-News is authorized by Kenneth R. Plum
 and paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum.