“No one’s life, liberty or property are safe while the NYS legislature is in session,” Judge Gideon Tucker With the signing of the Declaration of Independence the thirteen colonies became self governing states and each set about writing their own constitutions and governing structures The constitutions and structures varied widely from state to state. New HampshireContinue reading “A Civics Primer: Fixing Tier 6”
Tag Archives: history
Being “.. in the room where it happens” requires political skill
As a UFT District Rep I serviced the needs of 2.000 plus union members, from answering questions, to resolving payroll and certification issues, to representing the views of teachers at the district level. I rapidly realized I had to develop relationships: to bring Kelly, the Personnel Director’s secretary a cup of her favorite coffee. she’d smile, “WhatContinue reading “Being “.. in the room where it happens” requires political skill”
A Primer: Getting Things Done in City Hall and Albany
“It’s all politics.” (Grrr!) The dictionary definition of politics is simply the process by which governing decisions are reached. In a government classroom we may begin with Athenian Democracy, men met and decided how the city-state of Athens would be governed, only the male citizens, not the slaves, not women, the governors were randomly decided,Continue reading “A Primer: Getting Things Done in City Hall and Albany”
Does the First Amendment Protect Teachers from Speech Outside of the Classroom?
The Texas Education Commissioner has sent a letter to Texas school superintendents announcing investigations into teachers and staff who have “posted and/or shared reprehensible and inappropriate content on social media” about the assassination of Charlie Kirk TEA states the posts “could constitute a violation of the Educators’ Code of Ethics” and could result in sanctions.Continue reading “Does the First Amendment Protect Teachers from Speech Outside of the Classroom?”
Reconnection for Learning: A Community School System for New York City (11/67)
In a hotly contested four-way race he defeated the establishment candidate, a progressive endorsed by the Liberal party, the city facing enormous problems, I’m referring to John Lindsay in 1965. In the 1960s the nation was torn apart by an unpopular war, a rising civil rights movement and bubbling urban violence across the nation. CitiesContinue reading “Reconnection for Learning: A Community School System for New York City (11/67)”
Mamdani’s (Proposed) Education Transition Team
It’s traditional for newly elected mayors to appoint transition teams to coordinate the transfer from one administration to the next. De Blasio set up a tent on Chambers Street and invited community input. I attended the education event, community activists espousing their thoughts, more “show and tell”,” de Blasio actually interviewed chancellor candidates in theContinue reading “Mamdani’s (Proposed) Education Transition Team”
Does the 25th Amendment to the Constitution Provide a Process to Remove a President from Office?
In our history eight presidents have died in office, four by natural causes (Harrison, Taylor, Harding and Roosevelt), four assassinated (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy) and one resigned (Nixon). After the assassination of President Kennedy questions arose about presidential succession and Congress amended the Constitution adding the 25th Amendment dealing with presidential succession including successionContinue reading “Does the 25th Amendment to the Constitution Provide a Process to Remove a President from Office?”
How Will the Big (not so) Beautiful Budget Bill Impact NYS and NYC Budgets?
The thousand-page bill squeaked through the House and the Senate and signed into law by the president. See the details of the law here. Estimates are the bill will substantially impact NYS, … a big financial impact for New York and its health care system. State officials estimated the House bill would cost the state and itsContinue reading “How Will the Big (not so) Beautiful Budget Bill Impact NYS and NYC Budgets?”
Electing and Endorsing Candidates in the Turbulent Arena of Political Chaos
In the oppressive heat of summer in Philadelphia the founding fathers grappled with the process of electing a president. The delegates, the elites of the nation, led by Hamilton and Madison distrusted the artisans and farmers, the common folk, and created the electoral college, intermediaries who could “protect” the nation from “inappropriate” choices. An unanticipatedContinue reading “Electing and Endorsing Candidates in the Turbulent Arena of Political Chaos”
One of the Most Confusing, and Consequential, of Elections
On Tuesday, June 25th registered democrats only, no republicans and no independents can participate, will select candidates who will appear on the November general election ballot, the election is called ranked choice voting (RCV), in November the usual, most votes wins, a majority is not necessary. I know life in Gotham can be confusing. The CharterContinue reading “One of the Most Confusing, and Consequential, of Elections”
Ed in the Apple: Blogging on the Intersection of Education and Politics Title 