The Real School AKA Dragon Valley invites you to join us for the second meeting of our alternative education reading group. Each month we will have a different short reading, available online or by email, to review beforehand and then a meeting to discuss our thoughts and opinions on alternative educational theory and how it relates to our lives.
The second meeting will be on Sunday, November 11th at 3 PM at The Real School AKA Dragon Valley, located at 5020 Dickson, Houston, Texas 77007 (near Shepherd and Memorial). We will be discussing Chapter 9 (Bribes for Behaving: Why Behaviorism Doesn't Help Children Become Good People) from Alfie Kohn's Punished by Rewards. If you have a Houston Public Library card you can read it online as an e-book or check it out from several locations. This is also a book that is available in many bookstores. If you would like a copy to print out please email us.
Young people of all ages are welcome at all of our events; they are the reason for our events! But we do not provide childcare. Our underlying philosophy strives to include not segregate kids. We accept the need of many younger people to move around, to come and go from conversation and to act... like kids. Some older folks have similar needs. As a matter of information, jumping up and down often correlates with happiness.
You can find out more about the school at:
http://www.thereals choolhouston. org
You can read the school's blog at:
http://www.thereals choolhouston. blogspot. com/
To contact the school please call (832) 767-0404 or email us at therealschoolhouston@yahoo.com.
Thanks to:
Thursday, November 8, 2007
HOUSTON: Alternative Education Reading Group Meeting -- NOV 11
Monday, November 5, 2007
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: NACCS Regional Conference in MCALLEN -- FEB 28-MAR 1
Call for Submissions
“Mi Educación es la Causa: Chicana and Chicano Pedagogy in the 21st Century.”
NACCS-Tejas Regional Conference
28 February-1 March 2008
Chicana/o scholars, NACCS Tejas membership, and the Tejas community are invited to submit papers, exhibits, performances or cultural productions for the NACCS Tejas Regional Conference at
The 2008 NACCS Tejas steering committee is excited to announce that both Ms. Martha Cotera and Dr. Rodolfo Acuña have agreed to serve as keynote speakers. Both scholars will be discussing the past, present, and future of Chicana/o pedagogy. Please join us in welcoming both scholars to our conference.
This conference incorporates a multidisciplinary understanding of scholarship and performance and therefore accepts papers and productions from a wide range of disciplines. While the primary theme for the conference centers on Chicana/o pedagogy in the 21st century, other topics related to the Chicana/o experience are also welcomed. A 100-250 word abstract should be submitted for the paper, panel, exhibit, performance, or other.
Deadline for Submissions: January 14, 2008
Send questions and proposals electronically to Victor Gomez at vgomez@southtexascollege.edu
Courtesy of:
Erik Toren
ectoren@sbcglobal.net
Sunday, November 4, 2007
HOUSTON: Sunday Rally for HISD Bond -- NOV 4
PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 2, 2007
CONTACT:
Anna Núñez
Cell: (713) 857-9160
E-mail: anna.nunez@yahoo.com
LATINO COMMUNITY RALLY FOR HISD BOND
East End Parents & Students Highlight School Needs
WHO:
East End Parents and Students (over 60) will speak about the problems at Burnett Elementary.
WHAT:
Latino Community Rally in support of HISD Bonds
WHERE:
Eastwood Park
5000 Harrisburg & Dumble Street
Houston, Texas 77011
WHEN:
Sunday, November 4, 2007, 2:00 p.m. (Press conference to begin at 2:30 p.m.)
WHY:
Parents and children of Burnett Elementary (predominantly Latino) are calling upon the Latino community to vote on Tuesday, November 6th, in support of the HISD Bond.
“Our main concern is our children’s safety and we want security cameras,“says parent María Treviño whose daughter Andrea attends Burnett Elementary. “It’s a must. Everyday we are faced with different issues and our children’s safety has to be our priority.”
Parents constantly complain that when it rains, the roof leaks and water actually pours into the classroom through the windows.
Top on their list of complaints is a broken air-conditioning system, which is slated to be replaced with the $1.5 million Burnett Elementary will receive upon passage of the HISD Bond.
“Our children had no air-conditioning on Friday and it’s hot!” continues Ms. Treviño. “We’ve had two hot days this week and our children sit in hot classrooms with no cool air. Parents are worried and concerned for their children. We need new everything!”
# # #
The Socialist Forum Monthly Meeting -- NOV 24
The Socialist Forum
Monthly Meeting
November 24- Saturday
7:00PM - 7:30PM - Dinner
7:30PM - Meeting
Golden China Restaturant
Alamo, Texas
(Expressway 83 & Alamo Rd)
Next to Peter Pipper Pizza
Items for Discussion:
* Continues Anti-War Organizing
* 2008 - What's Upcoming
* Marxist Reading Group - information
* Announcements - Community Actions and Cultural Events
For More Information
thesocialisforum@
Courtesy of:
Erik Carlos Toren
ectoren@sbcglobal.net
Border Strategy Conference -- NOV 29-30
There will be a conference in El Paso, TX to develop guidelines for alternative border enforcement policies and practices.
Link to conference info: http://www.borderst
Courtesy of:
Martin Hagne
martinhagne@sbcglobal.net
Thursday, November 1, 2007
From RICK NORIEGA FOR SENATE: John Cornyn's Vote is a DREAM Killer for Students
Last week, Senator John Cornyn voted against the children and the future of Texas by voting to kill the DREAM Act. This legislation would facilitate access to college for undocumented children and create a path to legalization for students enrolled in college or the military. In August, Senator Cornyn told an El Paso Times reporter that he supported the bill, but when it came time to demonstrate that support with action, he flip-flopped and voted against it.
The DREAM Act is a statement that Texans believe in education. Instead of doing the right thing, John Cornyn chose to reverse his position for political gain and exploit the education of Hispanic children to use as a political wedge issue.
In 2001, State Representative Rick Noriega passed a Texas version of the DREAM Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, which subsequently has allowed over 10,000 children to enter college and set them on the path to becoming educated, productive, and taxpaying Texans.
Cornyn Rejects Students
The Dallas Morning News reported last week that Senator Cornyn would not allow three undocumented students who traveled from Dallas to Washington, D.C. into his office because they were not legal residents. Cornyn said that neither he nor his staff would meet with students "who admit to not being legally in the country or are here in violation of immigration laws."
The junior Senator's intolerant and mean-spirited policy demonstrated a great lack of compassion. According to the newspaper, all three students were brought into the country by their parents before they turned 11. One of the students asked Cornyn to "Put yourself in our shoes. Try to imagine your life as an immigrant."
In contrast, Texas' senior Senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison, voted for Texas' children by voting for the DREAM act. While Senator Hutchison, a Republican, supported mainstream legislation that would help students who are doing their best and were brought to this country by their parents, Senator Cornyn opted to exploit Texans for political gain.
End the Nightmare
"The dream died last week, and Senator John Cornyn helped to kill it." Help us kick Cornyn out of office and end this nightmare once and for all. Tell your friends and family about Rick's campaign by clicking here now. It's time to end the politics of division and unite for a better future.
Sincerely,
Carlos Doroteo
Noriega for Texas
Courtesy of:
AUSTIN: Save our Youth! Community Forum -- NOV 13
MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!!!
Join us for a Community Conversation about improvements in the Texas Youth Commission (TYC)
TYC is a center run much like a prison for youth. The majority of youth in TYC are youth of color. TYC has had a history of verbally and physically abusing these youth.
Come hear reccommendations and give your input on what needs to change!
WHEN: TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 13, 2007
WHERE: CONLEY GUERRERO CENTER
808 NILE ST.
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00pm
FOOD AND REFRESHEMENTS WILL BE SERVED
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL PODER: 472.9921 or visit www.poder-texas.org / www.myspace.com/poder_austin_texas
Sponsored by PODER and TCAJJ (Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles)
Erika
erika-poder@sbcglobal.net
No Borders Camp Update / Boletín del Campamento Contra las Fronteras
ALSO SEE: http://la-nueva-raza.blogspot.com/2007/10/califas-no-borders-camp-nov-5-11.htm
please forward widely / por favor manda por todos lados
español al fondo
November 1, 2007
Greetings campamentistas! There's only one week(!) left until the first ever No Borders Camp on Turtle Island, AKA North America. noborderscamp.org is being updated daily with bilingual information and analysis so please check it out.
NEW!
Logistics
Legal, transportation, health and wellness, what to bring and how to plug in.
Frequently Asked Questions
noborderscamp.org/frequently-asked-questions
Events/Workshop/Actions Schedule
noborderscamp.org/camp-schedule-days
Monday and Tuesday 11.5 & 11.6 Convergence and Regional Prep Events
Wednesday 11.7 Camp Begins, Binational Rally and March
Thursday 11.8 Day of Action Against Capitalism and for Mutual Aid and Respect
Friday 11.9 Day of Action Against Detention and for Freedom of Movement
Saturday 11.10 Day of Action Against the Wall and for a World Without Borders
Sunday 11.11 Solidarity Events and Day of Artistic Expression
Are you planning a workshop, event or action at the No Borders Camp?
Post it here - noborderscamp.org/node/add/event
Boards
Find/offer a ride/couch. Post your individual or your group's needs for the camp or hook other people up. Start to plan to physical organization of the camp by posting who you want to camp with. All this can be found on the boards.
Global Solidarity Actions
noborderscamp.org/solidarity-actions
Check out the awesome solidarity actions being planned in Tacoma and Montreal!
Donate
We need funds to be able to pull off all the amazingness that we have planned!
Calls to Action
noborderscamp.org/calls-action
Check out new calls to action for media makers, artists, food not bombs, medics, musicians and clowns.
Contacts/Get involved
noborderscamp.org/2007-no-borders-camp-contact-info
No Borders Media
noborderscamp.org/no-borders-media
Check out two new trailers for the camp as well as tons of video, audio and images related to the border and the camp.
Invitation to the Camp
List of Endorsers
noborderscamp.org/list-endorsers
Points of Unity
Boletín del Campamento Contra las Fronteras
1 de Noviembre 2007
¡Saludos campamentistas! Solo falta una semana(!) hasta el primer Campamento Contra Fronteras en Isla de Tortuga (Norte América). noborderscamp.org diario se esta actualizando con información bilingüe y análisis. ¡Míralo!
NUEVO!
Logística
Información de transportación, salud y bienestar, que se debería traer y como involucrarse.
Preguntas Frecuentes
noborderscamp.org/preguntas-importantes
Calendario de Eventos, Talleres y Acciónes
noborderscamp.org/es/event/2007/11/02
Lúnes y Martes 11.5 & 11.6 Convergencia y Eventos de Preparación Regionales
Miércoles 11.7 El campamento empieza, Manifestación binacional
Jueves 11.8 Día de acción contra capitalismo y por autogestión y respeto
Viernes 11.9 Dia de acción en contra de las detenciónes y por el movimiento libre
Sábado 11.10 Dia de acción en contra del muro y por un mundo sin fronteras
Domingo 11.11 Eventos de solidaridad y un día de expresiones artísticas
¿Estas planficando un taller, evento o acción durante el Campamento Contra Las Fronteras?
Publicalo aqui – noborderscamp.org/es/node/add/event
Foros
Busca/ofrece un raite/sofa. Publica tus necesidades o las de tu grupo para el campamento o ayuda a otras personas. Empieza a planificar la organización fisica del campamento y publica con quien quieres acampar. Todo eso puede estar encontrado en los foros.
Acciones de Solidaridad Globales
noborderscamp.org/solidarity-actions
¡Chequea las acciones de solidaridad que han planificado en Tacoma, Washington y Montreal, Canada!
Donate
¡Necesitamos fondos para poder realizar toda el espectaculo que hemos planificado!
Llamadas de Acción
http://noborderscamp.org/es/llamadas-de-acci-n
Chequea las nuevas llamadas de acción para los medios independientes, artistas, comida no bombas, médicos, músicos y payasos.
Información de Contacto/Involucrate!
noborderscamp.org/informaci-n-de-contacto
Media sin Fronteras
noborderscamp.org/no-borders-media
Chequea los dos trailers nuevos para el campamento y también un monton de video, audio y imagenes relacionados con la frontera y el campamento.
Invitación al Campamento
noborderscamp.org/hacia-el-campamento
Lista de Endosantes
noborderscamp.org/lista-de-endosantes
Puntos de Partida
noborderscamp.org/puntos-de-partida
Courtesy of:
Carina
carina_souflee@hotmail.com
ARTICLE: Gap Widens Between Hispanic and Anglo Dropout Rates
http://www.riograndeguardian.com/rggnews_story.asp?story_no=22
Gap widens between Hispanic and Anglo dropout rates
 |
| Maria |
AUSTIN, October 31 - A new study finds that Texas schools are losing one third of their students and the gap between Anglo, Black, and Hispanic students that drop out is growing. The 22nd annual Texas Public School Attrition Study for 2006-07 was released this week by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). The IDRA found that 45 percent of Hispanic students, 40 percent of Black students, 20 percent of Anglo students were lost from public school enrollment in Texas. The gap between Hispanic and Anglo dropout rates, which was 18 percent when the study began, had increased to 25 percent last year. The report’s publication coincides with a study by Johns Hopkins University into the number of high-school freshmen who graduate in four years. Almost every school on the border failed to graduate 40 percent or more of their freshmen in four years in the graduating classes of 2004, 2005 and 2006. The study, conducted for the Associated Press, labeled the schools “dropout factories.” More than one in ten high schools in America was given that label. “If you're born in a neighborhood or town where the only high school is one where graduation is not the norm, how is this living in the land of equal opportunity?” asked Bob Balfanz, the researcher at Johns Hopkins University who defines such a school as a “dropout factory.” Explaining her group’s report, IDRA Director Maria "Cuca" Robledo Montecel, said that to keep kids graduating, schools need good leadership and good resources. In other words, top notch principals and adequate funding. Montecel said Rio Grande Valley schools may be at a greater disadvantage than the rest of the state in acquiring the resources to keep kids in school. “Historically, border schools get the short-end of equitable funding, because of the way the state's school financing system works,” said Montecel. She said also that urban areas typically have higher drop out rates than rural areas. “Schools belong to the community,” said Montecel. "They need to be engaged with the community." The Texas Education Agency office that handles the Valley is Region One Education Service Center. Its spokesperson, Annette Garcia, acknowledged that dropout rates are high in the Valley. She named several programs the educational system has to keep kids in school. Garcia said that they have the Gear Up project, college-going awareness programs, and the High School Redesign Project, to name a few. Weslaco ISD and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD have the Redesign program and McAllen ISD has plans to initiate the project in the 2008-2009 school year. "There are so many different factors," she said. "Every program is designed for student success." Overall, Texas school holding power is worse than it was two decades ago, the IDRA found. In 1986, 33 percent of Texas students didn't graduate from high school. This year, 34 percent of Texas students drop out. A full one-third of high school freshman in Texas will not graduate. The study found that 134,676 students, who were freshman four years ago, did not graduate this spring. Since the study began in 1986, 2.6 million students who started public high school did not graduate. The study found that 70 percent of those students were Black or Hispanic. The four key things to keep kids in school, according to Montecel, are competent and caring teachers who are well paid and well supported; consistent ways for schools to partner with parents; getting to know the individual student, who needs to belong to be successful; and a high-quality enriched curriculum that is accessible. "We must really decide to graduate every student, believe we can and make it happen," Montecel said. She added that a high school diploma is the minimum job requirement these days. IDRA has used the same methodology to conduct the comprehensive statewide study of high school dropouts using a high school attrition formula to estimate the number and percent of students who leave school prior to graduation. The annual attrition studies include county-level data by race and ethnicity. The trend graphs are available online at www.idra.org
Courtesy of:
Rio Grande Guardian
www.riograndeguardian.com
