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California Students Among the Most Successful on AP Tests

Here’s something which all of us Californians should be concerned about. Which do you want first? The good news or the bad news?

By: Deborah Cahill

Report: California Students Among The Most Successful On AP Tests.

The Los Angeles Times (2/11, Cruz) reported that California “boasts one of the nation’s highest percentages of public school students passing AP tests, but educators are concerned about a dramatic slowdown in the rate of students taking those college-level courses, according to an annual report released Wednesday.” The number of high school students taking AP exams nationally “almost doubled from 2001 to 2009, but course enrollments are slowing, particularly in California, said Trevor Packer, vice president of the College Board, which administers the tests and released the report.” In the last decade, California “saw 8 percent average growth in AP course enrollment each year,” but in the 2008-2009 school year, that growth “slowed by almost half.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: AP test scores in California, AP Tests in California

Calabasas High Poker Tournament and Casino Night

By: Patte Gilbert

The Calabasas High School Baseball program will host their annual fundraiser on March 14th at the Agoura/Calabasas Community Center from 5pm – 9pm. This adult only event will help support the Baseball program this spring season. Come out for a great evening and support our wonderful Calabasas Baseball program at www.calabasasbaseball.net.

This event will host an array of fun opportunities from casino gaming, a poker tournament, dinner, cocktails, music and a luxurious silent auction.

There are 2 available packages:

- The “Casino Night Package” for $75 per player.

- “Poker Tournament Package” for $150 per player.

If you’re looking to sponsor, there are 4 options from the “Grand Slam” to the “Single.” The Grand Slam will buy you a table for 8 players for the evening with catered dinner, 2 drinks per person, and dessert for your group.

All proceeds benefit the CHS Baseball Program. For more information visit the CHS baseball team at: Calabasas Baseball

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Calabasas High Poker Tournament and Casino Night, CHS Baseball Poker Tournament and Casino Night

The Implications of Junk Food Today

JUNK FOOD BEGONE!

By: Deborah Cahill

As an educator in various parts of the country, and most recently California, I am amazed at what the students eat for “lunch.”  Often times they will not even buy a lunch but instead have chips and other “junk food” as their meals.  The number of overweight and even obese students is disconcerting to say the least.  As adults we know that one is more likely to gain weight as we grow older.  If that is the case, then what lies ahead for these young people?  That is why this generation is the first in many to actually have a shorter life expectancy than their parents!  I absolutely support cutting out junk food and not having it available on school campuses.  An effort needs to be made to deter at the source so much which contributes to health issues.  This alone will not do the trick, of course, but at least it is a step in the right direction.

Leading the News

Obama Administration Launches Campaign To Remove Junk Food From Schools.

The AP (2/8, Jackson) reported that the Obama administration “will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by ridding school vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks and giving school lunch and breakfast to more kids. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the administration will seek changes when Congress overhauls the Childhood Nutrition Act.” In a speech planned for delivery on Monday but cancelled due to snow, Vilsack “outlined changes that include a push to jettison cookies, cakes, pastries and salty food from school vending machines and cafeteria lines.”

The St. Petersburg Times (2/9, Marshall) reports that a proposed federal bill “is said to include $1 billion in extra money to pay for more of the fruits, vegetables and whole grains that make teenagers cringe. But Republican support is far from certain, and the American Beverage Association told the New York Times it did not support a federal ban” on junk food in schools.

Op-Ed: Obesity Seen As National Security Threat. Retired U.S. Army General Johnnie E. Wilson writes in an op-ed for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2/9) that child obesity “has become so serious in this country that military leaders are viewing the epidemic as a potential threat to our national security.” Wilson adds, “Today, retired admirals and generals are calling on Congress to support at least $1 billion per year in new funding that will help to improve nutrition standards for meals served in school, after school and in child care settings. We are also seeking improved nutrition standards for all competitive foods and beverages sold on school grounds.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Junk food in America, The Implications of Junk Food Today

Teacher Accountability: What to Do?

School Accountability Needs Proper Metrics

By: Deborah Cahill

I agree with Professor Daniel Willingham (see below) that there are no good tools to measure teachers.  If you base a teacher’s success strictly on student test scores, you have done a gross injustice to teachers and students alike.  This throws us right back to teaching to the test and sacrificing core curriculum and content which are so enriching, interesting and necessary.  Having to limit our content means our students are missing valuable material and are even less prepared if they are attending college.  Even more unconscionable is withholding funds from those states who disagree with this practice of  evaluating teachers based on test scores.  If the federal government and President Obama want educators to be held more strictly accountable then they must come up with a fair and effective way to measure teachers’ performances and stop black mailing states if they do not go along with this practice.

Law & Policy

Op-Ed: School Accountability Push Will Fail Without Proper Metrics

University of Virginia Psychology Professor Daniel Willingham writes in an op-ed in the Boston Globe (2/4), “In an effort to improve public schools, President Obama wants to hold individual teachers accountable for student test scores; indeed, states that prohibit the practice are ineligible for the ‘Race to the Top’ funds.” However, “we do not have good tools to measure teachers, and when you hold people accountable with poor measures, things…get worse. The reason is simple: Accountability changes workers’ focus from ‘do a good job’ to ‘do a job that looks good according to the measure.’”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Daniel Willingham, School Accountability Push Will Fail Without Proper Metrics

Recess: The Importance of Play

By: Deborah Cahill

This study ties play time to success in the classroom.  This makes perfect sense.  Even as adults with longer so called “attention spans,” when we are attending lectures or involved in classroom studies, how long does it take before we get “figidty” and want a break!  Children need to be alert and fresh.  Sometimes it is even appropriate to get the class up (whether they are elementary or college!) and have them do stretches or some other physical activity to re-focus their attention.  I don’t think we really need a study to tell us this, unless they are making a case for putting recess back in schools as the favorite class of the day!

Leading the News

Most Elementary School Principals Say Recess Positively Impacts Achievement, Poll Shows.

The Christian Science Monitor (2/4, Paulson) reported that a new Gallup survey shows “more than 80 percent of elementary-school principals believe that recess has a positive impact on academic achievement.” Also, according to “two-thirds of the principals” polled, “students listen better and are more focused in class” after recess. “The findings support a growing wave of educators who are pushing to restore the place of recess in schools and, in some cases, to improve its quality.” Schools in some cities such as “Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston…have dropped recess completely,” amid budget cuts and an increasingly intense focus on test preparation.

Nancy Shute wrote in the US News and World Report (2/4) On Parenting blog, “Recess has almost disappeared from the curriculum at many schools, edged out by more math and reading work as schools push to raise scores on standardized tests.” But more and more research “shows that adding more play to the day, not less, improves the likelihood of better test scores and behavior.” However, Shute adds, “The news wasn’t all good. The principals said most of their discipline problems happened during a recess or lunch break and said that they would like to have more staff to monitor the playground, better equipment, and training in playground management.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Deborah Cahill, Recess: The Importance of Play

24879 Mulholland Hwy Calabasas Home

By: Dana Olmes

This exceptional and alluring Estate Property is graciously set on over an acre of lushly landscaped grounds and offers dramatic views of the majestic Santa Monica Mountains. This seductive residence boasts unsurpassed attention to fine detail such as hand-hewn distressed wood plan floors, old world masonry, lath and plaster walls, antique lighting and period doors and gates.

Reminiscent of a villa in the south of France, this extraordinary home offers large reception areas which open out to an expansive entertainers veranda. The European country kitchen combines old world detail with modern conveniences
while the adjacent sitting room offer a comfortable retreat relation.

The alluring master suite is authentically appointed with antiqued wood windows, beamed ceiling and spa bath with water closet and walk-in closet. The spacious home theater, office and gracious family room with fireplace complete this romantic residence.

If you are interested in this property please call Dana Olmes 818.222.9500 or Jeff Biebuyck 818.222.9500.

For more information visit: http://tours.imagemaker360.com/Viewer/23.asp?id=101847

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: 24879 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas Real Estate, ewingsir, homes in calabasas

Calabasas Green Building Code

Calabasas Code Effective January 1, 2010

By: Jeff Biebyuck

As a leader in environmental progress, Calabasas aims to conserve resources and build more efficient homes. That’s why the City of Calabasas has adopted the California Green Building Standards Code, which goes into effect on January 1, 2010.

California is the first state to publish a green building code, and the Calabasas is the first city in the state to adopt the new state code.

The code identifies areas of construction that can be more environmentally friendly in terms of energy and water conservation. The full text of the 2008 California Green Building Standards Code is available to download as a pdf here: Green Codes

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Building codes in calabasas, Calabasas Green Building Code, Green Codes in Calabasas

To Have AYP or Not Have AYP. That is the Question

By: Deborah Cahill

Yet another follow up on NCLB, this time addressing AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) requirements for all schools.  I think there needs to be some middle ground between was has been expected and what the new expectations are to be.  Without doubt the perimeters the Bush Administration set up for “No Child Left Behind” has not worked and has only served to punish schools who have not made “the grade” but have clearly shown progress, which in many cases has been quite substantial.  Totally eliminating the program, or suspending it indefinitely, may not be the answer either.

I think perhaps the Obama administration needs to get a wider range of educators, including teachers in “the trenches,” involved nationwide to give their input and expertise based on in the field working knowledge of the situation at hand.  I believe more control needs to be given locally to states and districts because they are in a much better position to access progress and set relevant and realistic goals.  California is one state that does have the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) which is a state exam that all students must pass in order to graduate.  Clearly more states needs to institute a similar program.

I am not saying that this will “fix” everything, nor I am saying that there is one solution to this problem.  Undeniably if the United States is going to remain a world force we need to step up the pace in education to make our youth viable contenders as the world leaders of tomorrow.  I am glad to see, at least, according to the article below, that this issue is starting to be more aggressively addressed.

Law & Policy

Obama Administration Seeking To Eliminate “Adequate Yearly Progress” Benchmark.

The Washington Post (2/2, Anderson, 684K) reports, “As legions of schools nationwide fall short of academic targets, the Obama administration proposed Monday to toss out” the NCLB Adequate Yearly Progress “pass-fail measure that for 15 years has been the bedrock of the school accountability system and replace it with an index that would reward educators who prepare students for college and careers.” Duncan “credited” NCLB “for exposing achievement gaps but said it has focused too much on reading and math and unfairly labeled many schools.”

Globe Calls Backing Away From AYP Mandates A “Mistake.” The Boston Globe (2/3) editorializes that the Obama administration “is retreating from a deadline to bring every child in 98,000 public schools to academic proficiency by 2014. What was seen as an attainable goal in the Bush years is now a ‘utopian goal,’ according to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.” Yet, according to the Globe, “backing away from the goal that all students achieve proficiency on their state exams is a mistake in a field where nothing short of high-stakes testing grabs the attention of students, parents, teachers, and school administrators.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Adequate Yearly Progress, AYP Adequate Yearly Progress, NCLB, No Child Left Behind

Course of The Week: Northern Trust Open Preview

Kyle Gulock’s Golf Course of the Week

By: Kyle Gulock

The annual Northern Trust Open is taking place in our backyard this weekend. The host site will be Riviera Country Club, which is located in Pacific Palisades, CA. Riviera Country Club has been the host site for the Los Angeles PGA Tour stop since 1927. The course will be set up as a par 71 and will play 7,325 yards from the back tees. The purse for this year’s event is $6,400,000.

Once again, the field in this tournament is strong and comprised of 4 players that are ranked in the top 10 according to the world golf rankings. The favorite is Phil Michelson who won the last 2 Northern Trust Opens at Riviera Country Club. Last week Phil drew criticism from Scott McCarron for using wedges that don’t conform to the new standards set by the PGA tour. After an hour long meeting with tour officials on Tuesday night at Riviera Country Club, McCarron has since apologized to Phil for making those comments.

The tournament starts tomorrow, Thursday February 4^th and the final round will take place Sunday February 7^th.  The weekend outlook includes a little bit of rain over the next few days, but the rain should be gone by Sunday’s final round. Tickets are $35 in advance of $50 at the gate. You can purchase tickets by clicking on the link below…Northern Trust Open

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Northern Trust Open, Northern Trust Open Tickets, Phil Michelson, Riviera Country Club

Calabasas Relay for Life KickOff

Stop by to get started on this years event…

By: Kenny Melcombe

This Friday, Feb 5th at the Calabasas Civic Center, Relay For Life will host a kick off night at 6:00PM.  Learn how to be a captain, get a sneak peek of the relay experience or use it as a time to register for the event. Registering on that night will cost on $50 instead of the usual $150.

Stick around for a movie after and grab some snacks as you converse with other participants.

The event takes place at Founders Hall: 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas, Ca 91302 from 6-9PM.

For those who know little about Relay for Life, this is also a great time to learn how rewarding this event can be. Relay for Life, taking place on May 15-16,  is an event that typically brings 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives that have battled cancer.

For more information, visit: Relay for Life

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tags: Relay For Life, Relay For Life founders hall, Relay For Life KickOff night