July 30th, 2009 03:56pm
by Extra.Credit
Sonoma State University will not look like the school it once was, not after having to absorb millions of dollars in cuts as a result of the state’s massive budget deficit. Officials across the board say as much.
The challenge now is navigating the future — doing more with less, as the saying goes. I sat down with SSU President Ruben Arminana on Wednesday to discuss the campus, the budget woes …
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July 29th, 2009 07:41pm
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Here is a letter from Sonoma State University President Ruben Arminana to students and staff about the fee increases approved for the upcoming school year:
“July 29, 2009
Sonoma State University Students:
As you are likely aware, the California State University Board of
Trustees implemented a 20% fee increase effective as of the Fall 2009
semester. Specifically,
• Student fees will increase $672 for full-time undergraduate
students and $828 for graduate students in Fall 2009. There will …
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July 29th, 2009 07:00pm
by Extra.Credit
This statement just in from the CSU Chancellor’s office:
“The California Faculty Association
has ratified an agreement with the California State University to implement the equivalent of a two day per month furlough beginning August 1. In addition, the Academic Professionals of California, the union that represents approximately 2,400 student services employees, has also ratified an agreement to begin furloughs, with members voting 72 percent in favor and 28 percent against the furlough …
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July 29th, 2009 07:00am
by Extra.Credit
Santa Rosa Junior College is selling off some surplus equipment on Ebay. The sale is being conducted by Interscholastic Trading Company.
Tom Bosma, purchasing director for the JC, said the Ebay auctions have proven a boon for the college to clear out warehouse space and get somewhere between 50-80 percent of the sale price for many items.
“So far, it’s been working pretty well, clearing things out out of the warehouse,” he …
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July 28th, 2009 05:36pm
by Extra.Credit
Don Olson, a longtime teacher in Santa Rosa City Schools, died July 25. He was 79.
I was in Mr. Olson’s geometry class at Santa Rosa High way back when and remember him as a decent guy and patient teacher. I also recall that he sat students in the class according to their current grade: those who struggled sat in front, those who were cruising got to sit in back.
I also recall …
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July 28th, 2009 12:55pm
by Extra.Credit
The school year hasn’t yet started but most folks are wondering how budget cuts and the state’s financial crisis will play out when students start returning in a few weeks. I’m among those wondering.
One area of concern that I have heard from teachers and parents is the future of GATE (Gifted and Talented) or GATE-type programs for students who excel. What is happening on your campuses?
On that note, check out …
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July 27th, 2009 05:32pm
by Extra.Credit
Golden Gate Opera is reaching out to Bay Area schools to bring a performance of “Hansel and Gretel” to students this fall.
Organizers promise program options “at little or no cost, including opera assemblies at the schools, outreach to individual teachers and their students, and a fall field trip for class groups to a live, fully-staged professional opera on Oct. 22.”
I just asked if this includes Sonoma County, and indeed it …
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July 25th, 2009 01:43pm
by Extra.Credit
Santa Rosa Mayor Susan Gorin will deliver the commencement address at Empire College’s semiannual graduation for the School of Business at 7 p.m. Monday at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.
Debra Mangum, an honors graduate from the Computerized Business Skills program, will speak on behalf of the class of 120 students, and Evening School Dean Lynda Bascom will offer remarks from the Empire College faculty, according to the school.
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July 24th, 2009 05:30pm
by Extra.Credit
UPDATE: Here is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statement on the same plan:
“I want to congratulate President Obama for standing up for education reform. I absolutely agree with the four basic education principles he outlined today, including the need for data systems that allow us to measure student and teacher success by the results they achieve. As I’ve said before, California will fight to be competitive for each and every possible Recovery …
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July 24th, 2009 10:46am
by Extra.Credit
Check this out from the U.S. Department of Education:
“AUDIO & VIDEO:
LIVE VIDEO WEBCAST
“RACE TO THE TOP” ANNOUNCEMENT
Live broadcast on Friday, July 24, 2009
12:15 pm EASTERN TIME
President Obama joins US Secretary Arne Duncan in announcing the draft application for the $4.35 billion “Race to the Top” Fund.
This largest-ever federal investment in education reform will reward eligible states for past accomplishments and create incentives for future improvement in four critical areas of …
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