Does anyone care? A day late and many dollars short, charter champion Eli Broad came out in opposition to Betsy DeVos.
Why did he wait until after she passed the GOP-controlled Senate committee? She has been under discussion for two months. Why the silence when it might have mattered?
Is he trying to protect charters from competition with vouchers?
Does he want to protect the charter brand from being mingled with the Trump brand?
Whatever his motive, he is not acting to protect public schools.
Would you rather be privatized by charter or voucher? Would you rather be hung or shot?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Well, my position on charters or vouchers in this Bizarro world depends on if charters = shot or if vouchers= shot. Being hung means sure death whereas shot does not always equate to death.
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Depends upon what kind of shot you are talking about.
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What’s in it for him? Does he see her as a competitor?
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I don’t believe this for a minute. He is not coming out until all the votes are guaranteed. Just like Susan Collins. DeVos is in and these latecomers want to be able to go back to their base and pretend that they “tried” to stop it. They did not.
Collins had the power to stop it and she voted yes when it counted. Yes. That’s her vote and a later no vote when she was guaranteed to lose is similar to Eli Broad coming out at this late hour professing concern.
They know their support for privatization is being looked at by the parents they are desperate to appeal to as exactly what it is — ugly and racist and pro-Trump. So they want to distance themselves while making sure their privatization agenda and Betsy DeVos go forward. It is too little too late.
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Tilson in his most recent report that the DFERs were not going to support DeVos…so I guess that includes Eli. Even Eli knows that this woman is not fit to do much of anything.
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Presuming he cares.
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Doesn’t DFER have to keep up the illusion of being Democratic, worthy of the moniker, “Godless”, in the theater of a two party con?
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The DFER-Broad camp does not want its cause (privatization, testing, charters)) sullied by association with Trump and DeVos (privatization, vouchers, for-profit charters, religious zealots, cybercharter, no accountability)
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With identification of Gates Foundation links, to the conservative evangelical right, DFER/Broad’s pirouette to be an unsullied island, rivals the tap dance of CAP and Cory Booker, to privatize America’s most important common good.
BTW, have DFER/Broad issued a statement denouncing “human capital pipelines”?
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Diane, you nailed it. I expect that there is far less money in play with vouchers, so profits may be limited. But with charters, students usually receive the same amount per pupil as traditional schools and profits are made with real estate side deals. So, it makes sense that Broad would not want to compete with vouchers on just this account.
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Devos is still stoppable at the full senate confirmation. 2 Republican women, Collins and Murkowski, (both from the HELP comm.) stated they will vote against Devos when it comes to the senate vote. Only 2 more Republicans need to vote against her confirmation and she will not be confirmed. I am calling all the other Republicans on the HELP committee to encourage their vote against Devos. Burr, Cassidy, Enzi, Hatch, Isakson, Paul, Roberts, Scott and Young. They listened to all of the hearing with Devos and have the most understanding of her complete inabilities. I’m also targeting calls to the rest of the women, Republican senators (Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Shelley Moore Capito) who I’m charging with a call to arms of all women to protect the education of children. Stand up! Speak out! Be Sarah Yates! Next is a list of potential senators who have not yet committed to Devos or might be more easily convinced to vote no: Flake, Gardner, Heller, McCain, Portman,Sullivan, Toomey)
Not giving up yet!
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Only one Republican is needed. Collins and Murkowski make the vote 50-50. Mike Pence can cast the deciding vote.
But if one more Republican opposes DeVos, she loses 51-49.
That one senator still on the fence is Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. Her mother taught public schools. She served on her local school board.
DeVos came to see her and promised not to impose choice on Nebraska.
But what about the rest of the nation?
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Thank you. Will get that message out!
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(I meant to post this here)
Nevada is uniquely possible, too.
U.S. Senator Dean Heller said he’ll support DeVos…but he is up for reelection in 2018–in a swing state that Hillary won, elected America’s first Latina senator, and flipped two House seats. That shows him his electorate is leaning left.
He could be the deciding vote on DeVos’ nomination. KEEP CALLING HIM – these are your kids we’re fighting for.
Vegas: 702-388-6605
Reno: 775-686-5770
DC: 202-224-6244 or 202-224-3121 Please copy, paste, and share.
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Both California Senators are voting against Sessions…and at least Harris is voting against DeVos. I suspect the Feinstein, who is a friend of Broad’s, will also vote against her.
So those other traitor Dems must be voted out of Congress ASAP. Here is my letter from Feinstein today.
“Dear Mrs. Lubic:
Thank you for writing to express your opposition to the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to be Attorney General of the United States. I appreciate hearing from you, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
Like you, I am deeply concerned about Senator Sessions’ record as a Senator and partisan supporter of President Trump.
I strongly oppose his nomination. I voted no on his confirmation today in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and I will vote no once again when it comes to the floor of the United States Senate later this month.
Just in the first days of the new administration, the President has taken a number of actions that are deeply unfair, discriminatory, potentially illegal, and fail to bring this country together. The Attorney General leads the Department of Justice, which has the solemn responsibility of upholding the country’s laws and Constitution and protecting all Americans. The Attorney General sets the tone for the entire agency and must enforce the law in an even-handed and fair manner. And, the Attorney General is the lawyer for the people, not the President – he must be willing to stand up to the President and say ‘no’ when necessary.
Based on my review of Senator Sessions’ long record and history of partisan activity, particularly his close relationship with President Trump throughout the campaign and transition, I have no confidence that Senator Sessions will act as an independent check on the President. This is vitally important, because the President already has demonstrated his willingness to violate the law and the Constitution and to divide Americans from each other.
On January 31, 2017, I spoke in the Judiciary Committee in opposition to Senator Sessions’ nomination. For your convenience, my full statement and a video of our hearing are available at the links below:
https://sen.gov/feinstein/LY5L statement
://sen.gov/feinstein/MX5O hearing video
Again, thank you for voicing your concerns with me. I stand with you, and I hope you will continue to share your perspective. Should you have any further comments or concerns, please contact my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator”
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the nation are available at my website, feinstein.senate.gov. And please visit my YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for more ways to communicate with me.
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Broad and DeVos battled over control of Michigan’s public schools, although neither of them go anywhere near Michigan public schools. They both think they own the state. DeVos actually DOES own the western half of Michigan so she won the Broad v DeVos battle. Battle of the Billionaires. It could be a reality show.
On a happier note, it’s really wonderful how many ordinary people called their Senators to oppose privatization. I couldn’t get thru to Portman for a long time. He’s getting thousands of calls.
It’s heartening and it makes me think they won’t be able to dismantle our schools as quickly as they planned.
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Broad is signaling to politicians that it’s ok to defect and vote against DeVos. DeVos is making it very difficult for these fake Democrats to continue their charade. Check out this awkward article (and the comments by Geronimo, who also comments on this blog). https://www.scpr.org/news/2017/01/31/68595/how-big-a-factor-is-trump-s-school-choice-support/
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Eli Broad’s defection was one of simple self-preservation.
EVERYTHING that he has built in California depends upon the perception that he and the Ed Reform movement is sensible. Betsy DeVos is the antithesis to that narrative in the Golden State.
What is important to understand is that Trump is TOXIC in California. Everything he touches is radioactive.
When DeVos was selected for the position, the California Charter School Association put out this fawning welcome to her:
“Mrs. DeVos has long demonstrated a commitment to providing families with improved public school options and we look forward to working with the administration on proposals allowing all students in California to access their right to a high quality public education.”
Then came the extreme backlash to her candidacy and she proved what a misinformed, unqualified terror she was.
The California Charter movement had to scramble to be tied to this Hindenburg of a candidate.
It is impossible not to see WHO supports WHOM.
It is folly to say that the the California Charter School Association, Caprice Young, LA SCHOOL REPORT (and its owner THE 74 MILLION whose major sponsor is…Betsy DeVos!!!!) are not vested in large parts of Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos’s vision for Education. They clearly are.
If you were to put up a Venn Diagram of where CCSA, the Ed Reform movement and DeVos differ, please look at how much that connects these groups as opposed to the Diagram that has Teachers and Educators overlap.
The distinction for Broad and CCSA is vouchers which is a complete non-starter in California. Also, vouchers have a direct financial impact on charter’s viability which is why the groups are saying that charters and public schools have common ground on this issue.
It is important to note that every Progressive Left journal and magazines on Education are against Broad and the Ed Reform movement. The Progressive Education groups support true Public Education and see the Charters and Ed Reform as a major THREAT to Democracy, despite how much the Charters wrap themselves up in the flag of Civil Rights.
In California, the most important thing we can highlight is HOW MUCH the Ed Reform Movement here STILL depends on a Republican Education agenda. The Right Wing Education supporters who give to the Charter movement here in California and their parent organizations also goes to support anti-women, anti-gay, anti-immigrant and VERY Pro Donald Trump causes.
Sorry. You Eli Broad and CCSA.
You can bail out on Betsy DeVos, but if there is a new Trump Education appointee, if he or she isn’t a complete nut job, you will probably find some way to “like” her.
The reality that the California Ed Reform movement has to face, however, is that whoever that someone is–still will be appointed by a deranged, narcissistic no-nothing who will come in and support their causes.
Broad and company can’t maintain that that those Right Wing groups on their ONE specific issue are the Martin Luther Kings of Education while the rest of their dark and dangerous agenda is anathema to anyone who would call themselves “Progressive”.
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It’s a quandary. Schools of fascist religious sects, indoctrinating students, while fleecing taxpayers or, valueless corporations, indoctrinating students against democracy, while fleecing taxpayers. Which of the two, does more damage and ,which is ultimately harder to fight?
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It’s a tie!
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Don’t forget, Broad doesn’t just support charters. He supports his unaccredited academy of superintendents who attack public school districts from within. Don’t forget John Deasy. Eli Broad is a menace. Which billionaire is worse, him or DeVos? Broad is worse. Far worse. No one is worse for education than Broad, Gates, or the Waltons. No one. It’s not even close.
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If the economy revives, evangelical churches will lose members, giving communities an opportunity to restore their public schools. In general, families enrolled in religious schools, have to espouse adherence to an authoritarian, restrictive ideology (and, hide deviations) and, must fulfill onerous tasks, including financial support for the church. Those are burdens people will take on, to alleviate fears of poverty. Without fear, church memberships go, into decline.
In contrast, corporate school chains drive out competition, like Walmart’s drive our local retail. So, I agree with you, Left Coast Teacher, Gates/Broad are worse.
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Or, would you rather be burned at the stake or have your head chopped off? The answer is burned at the stake, because everyone knows a hot stake is better than a cold chop. Thank you to Shemp Howard for this little levity on another serious and solemn day in America.
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Andy Borowitz: Trump says he heard Frederick Douglass was alive from Betsy DeVos
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PS — In case it isn’t clear to anyone, Andy Borowitz is a satirist and publishes satirical (okay, “fake”) news stories.
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There is a yuge difference between satire and fake news.
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With the charter school industry favored by nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos bleeding vital funds from the public’s schools, the thoughtful person will ask: “Why are hedge funds the main backers of the private charter school industry? After all, hedge funds are not known for an altruistic interest in educating children.”
Well, the answer, of course, is MONEY.
For example, look at DeVos’ home state of Michigan: There are 1.5 million children attending public elementary and secondary schools and the state annually spends about $11,000 per student which adds up to pot of about $17 billion that private charter school operators have their eyes on. If these private operators succeed in getting what DeVos wants to give them — the power to run all the schools — these private profiteers could make almost $6 billion in profit just by firing veteran teachers and replacing them with low-paid inexperienced teachers, which is what the real objective of so-called “Value-Added” evaluations of veteran teachers is all about.
But wait! There’s more!
In fact, there are many more ways that big profits are being made every day right now by the private charter school industry. Here are just some:
The Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education has issued a warning that charter schools posed a risk to the Department of Education’s own goals. The report says: “Charter schools and their management organizations pose a potential risk to federal funds even as they threaten to fall short of meeting the goals” because of the financial fraud, the skimming of tax money into private pockets that is the reason why hedge funds are the main backers of charter schools.
The Washington State Supreme Court, the New York State Supreme Courts, and the National Labor Relations Board have ruled that charter schools are not public schools because they aren’t accountable to the public since they aren’t governed by publicly-elected boards and aren’t subdivisions of public government entities, in spite of the fact that some state laws enabling charter schools say they are government subdivisions. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A “PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL” because no charter school fulfills the basic public accountability requirement of being responsible to and directed by a school board that is elected by We the People. Charter schools are clearly private schools, owned and operated by private entities. Nevertheless, they get public tax money.
Even the staunchly pro-charter school Los Angeles Times (which acknowledges that its “reporting” on charter schools is paid for by a billionaire charter school advocate) complained in an editorial that “the only serious scrutiny that charter operators typically get is when they are issued their right to operate, and then five years later when they apply for renewal.” Without needed oversight of what charter schools are actually doing with the public’s tax dollars, hundreds of millions of tax money that is supposed to be spent on educating the public’s children is being siphoned away into private pockets.
Charter schools should (1) be required by law to be governed by school boards elected by the voters so that they are accountable to the public; (2) a charter school entity must legally be a subdivision of a publicly-elected governmental body; (3) charter schools should be required to file the same detailed public-domain audited annual financial reports under penalty of perjury that genuine public schools file; and, (4) anything a charter school buys with the public’s money should be the public’s property.
NO PUBLIC TAX MONEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GO TO CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT FAIL TO MEET THESE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE PUBLIC.
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Scisne, your last sentence says it all.
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No tax dollars should go to schools that have boards that aren’t democratically elected by the community. And that goes for universities that have been filled with plutocrats.
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