I found this in the Public Education Network Weekly NewsBlast, and post here and on my personal blog.

“Not on the Test” satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching.

Tom Chapin, a Grammy Award-winning musician perhaps best known for children’s music, has released a new song titled “Not on the Test.” The song satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching, in which tests have become the sole reason to teach and learn. Music, art, drama and sports were what kept Chapin engaged in school. In addition, these subjects make the teacher’s (and the student’s) job easier and infinitely more rewarding. Unfortunately, they are also what have been cut from curriculums across the country as Chapin explains lightheartedly in song.

Chapin’s web site for “Not on the Test” has helpful links and information, including audio, video, lyrics, and art. Tom Chapin’s Official Web Site also features “Not on the Test.”

As one concerned that budget cuts will eviscerate a good education, I resonate and recommend.

Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2008 is the highlight of a video recently posted on the Columbus City Schools website. The report dated 3/4/2008 may presently be found on the right side of the main page.

For a more permanent link, should the above go “extinct,” try this. (You may need to download and then view, depending upon your setup.)

caveats: The file is over 25 MB! (Don’t try this on dial-up!) It is also in a proprietary format (WMV - Windows Media Video).

Addendum: the link on C.C.S. main page is extinct. use the second link.

The question came up at our recent meeting: how can I get a photo ID, required for admission to many of the above-grade-level testing programs?

These are programs such as the Midwest Academic Talent Search or Ohio Talent Search, where above-grade-level tests (including ACT/SAT) are used to more accurately measure the ability and achievement levels of gifted children. Gifted children’s abilities are not effectively measured by the standard tests, where they tend to max out the scale. More effective measurement can aid planning and instruction to nurture our children.

If you need a State of Ohio ID, you can get one from any Deputy Registrar. You’ll need some original proof of birth (e.g. birth certificate or immigration (BCIS) document), and a secondary ID with proof of Social Security number. For renewal the ID itself suffices, as long as it has not been expired more than 6 months. The cost is $8.50. More information is available on the site of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). (Look under “Driver Licensing.”)

If you’d like to help get the word out about Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2008, here is the official flyer (421KB). It can be printed on a single page — or two to a page if your system allows. You may need to right-click or shift click to download.

The information and dates for 2008 C.C.S. school choice (lottery) is now posted on the C.C.S. website. There is stuff on the front page but try also directly the School Choice Office. Dates and deadlines may be found there.

Just the Facts:

I have added a new feature to the P.A.C.E. Home. Anyone who wants to keep abreast of postings on this website may subscribe. To become a Subscriber, check out the SUBSCRIBE Page. (The subscribe link in the lower left panel is for RSS, another option.)

For those of you who are Registered Users, there are more options. (Don’t use the SUBSCRIBE page!) You can login to exercise finer control over categories for which you will be notified.

• Registered Users by default will receive messages in all categories except “Site Testing” - so I can use that for tests. If you change your preferences, they will remain as you set them - unless I must at some time use the blunt instrument of a global reset.
• N.B. If you are a Registered User at the time of this post, this post may prompt your first email notification.

Most Registered Users also have privileges to contribute articles (posts) to the P.A.C.E. Home, depending upon how your role is defined. (Roles include “Contributer,” “Author,” or even “Editor.” For information see Summary of Roles here.)

If there are any Registered Users who want help knowing how to contribute - or others who might like to join the collaboration, please contact me at .

More information about the Subscribe2 plugin may be found here, or see my notes.

The Fall 2007 Newsletter mailed to all members is available on the Resources page (see tab above).

Of course, we encourage you to join P.A.C.E. … regardless of whether or not you can read the members’ newsletter gratis!

The meetings schedule for 2007-2008 is posted, see Upcoming Meetings and Events. Note that the special October Candidate’s Forum is on a Thursday night.

See what you missed - or remember your visit.
Here are some photos from last year’s event (2007), courtesy of Kathy.

This takes too long to load to be placed on the main page, so look here:
SOF 2007 Pix