An Open Letter to Nicholas Kristof

Louisiana Higher Education in Crisis

Dayne Sherman
Open Letter  
February 16, 2014

New York Times columnist Nicholas D. Kristof wrote a somewhat inane piece on professors entering the public square. See his piece here: Professors, We Need You!
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/opinion/sunday/kristof-professors-we-need-you.html

Below is my brief open letter in response:

Dear Mr. Kristof: 

I turned in a portfolio for full professor on January 15. Over the course of the past 5 years since I turned in my portfolio for tenure and promotion to associate professor, I published perhaps 200 op-eds and letters to the editor, gave many presentations on issues related to higher education, state budgets, academic freedom, healthcare, pensions, K-12 education, and the like. I was featured on the front page of several daily newspapers. I was quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Huffington Post related to my fight against guns on Louisiana college campuses. I denounced my governor in a speech delivered on the steps of the State Capitol, and the video was shown on several TV stations. (Gov. Bobby Jindal has cut 80 % of state funding from most college campus budgets since 2009, the worst cuts of any state in the USA.) 

How much of this work ended up in my promotion file this year? ZERO. 

I won't stop doing public service, but it is hard to recruit others in a right-to-work, deep red, higher education under siege state like my native Louisiana. The advocacy work won't count toward advancement. In fact, one of the highest paid professors on my campus said to my face that I was committing "career suicide." 

People are scared here, and it is mighty hard to blame them. We have more campuses under AAUP censure than any other state, and we are a small state. 

If I didn't have tenure, I would have already been fired. 

Please get to know what it is like in the trenches.

Sincerely,

Dayne Sherman
==========================
Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

////////////////////////////

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker
Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com/
Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/
Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman
***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***

Common Core: Alleged Rigor or Real Learning?

Guest Column 
February 11, 2014
Posted by Dayne Sherman 

Common Core: Alleged Rigor or Real Learning?

By

Dr. James D. Kirylo

The last work week of January brought a standstill to much of Louisiana.  We are not accustomed nor prepared for below-freezing temperature and icy roads.  It was a good call to close schools, stores, and simply encourage folks to stay home.  And a great many of us did.  While there was a real threat to lose electricity in our area, most were spared.  It was a good opportunity to spend time with family: playing board games, watching movies, and even reviewing school work with our young ones.  Surely, many also took to social media, staying connected with others, as was the case for me.

I was particularly fascinated by a Facebook post from a parent of a school-aged child who expressed grave concern about the impact the closure of schools for three days would have on the preparation for the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (or LEAP tests) this coming spring.

Perhaps to interpret the concern another way:  instead of relishing the occasion to realize all the learning possibilities that can take place through family time, games, reading, music, and anything that captures the imagination of young minds while being homebound during that period time, this parent was preoccupied about missing LEAP practice.

And there you have it.  That is how so-called education reformers would like us to think. That is, they have indoctrinated many with the idea that the only “real” learning and measure of success is reflected in passing a test, and that only knowledge that is tested is worthy of study.  To be sure, this heightened sense of placing such importance on testing will only get worse with Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

The fundamental focus of CCSS standards underscores the alleged notion of "rigor." According to Merriam-Webster, rigor is defined as difficult and unpleasant conditions or experiences that are associated with something; the quality or state of being very exact, careful, or strict.  In other words, never-mind developmentally appropriate practice, engaging environment, nurturing environment, inspiring environment, or even a fun learning environment in our schools.  We want difficult, unpleasant, and exacting environments for our children.  Perhaps a little hyperbole here, but that’s not too far from the truth.

So, then, what does rigor look like according to CCSS?  Well, it depends on who you talk to.  Some say it means we need our young ones to think more critically; others think that it means we have to raise our expectations; and still others think we have to better prepare our young ones for college and to compete in the 21st century global economy.  

The reality is no one really knows exactly what the notion of rigor looks like in practice as per the CCSS.  There are some suggestions, guidelines, and ideas that have been proclaimed as to what it looks like.  But we really don’t know because CCSS has never been field-tested, teachers were not intimately a part of the process to form and shape the standards, and education professors were virtually left out.  As if that were not enough, at the culmination of this allegedly rigorous environment, students will then be tested to see how the rigor paid off.  However, it won’t be termed LEAP anymore; it will be called the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC).

The approximate start-up costs for these tests—along with massive technology facelifts, teacher training, books and materials—is in the $10 billion range. Additionally, it will take hundreds of millions annually for several years thereafter to fully get the program sustainably operating for Louisiana alone.  Not bad for those on the paying end of that revenue, particularly for a program that is unproven, for we don’t even know if CCSS will work.

To be clear, excellent teachers have always worked to foster critical thinking, have always had high expectations, have always nurtured the natural gifts, creativity, and talent of all their students, and have always acted locally, but thought globally.  CCSS is not espousing anything new to excellent teachers.  Excellent teachers understand that assessment is critical, realizing, however, that one size does not fit all and that a singular test and an emphasis on testing does a colossal disservice to children.

So back to that parent’s Facebook post.  If she thought she was worried now, wait until the full implementation of CCSS.  And for all those who think we are already spending a lot on education, you haven’t seen anything yet.  As for me, I plan to take my two boys to the local public library and let them explore, discover, and, ah, yes, learn.

Dr. James D. Kirylo's latest book is titled A Critical Pedagogy of Resistance.  He can be reached at jkirylo@yahoo.com.
 

////////////////////////////

Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.**

6 Steps for Successful Social Media Activism

 Recap of Progressive Voices, New Media: A Louisiana Social Media and Blogging Summit

LSU, Jan. 25, 2014

Dayne Sherman

Despite icy weather and an interstate that was a parking lot, I was able to join the esteemed group of activists and bloggers for the Progressive Voices Summit (The archived video coming soon: http://www.louisianaprogress.org/live/).

The panel I participated in was moderated by LSU Professor Bob Mann, a columnist for the Times-Picayune and blogger. My co-panelists were Zack Kopplin and Lance Porter.

For my part, I stumbled through six points and answered questions afterward. For Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), I offered a few practical suggestions.

1. Say something. Provide your readers with meaningful content. Be the truth squad and not a mere trivial writer (ie, posting on Facebook about your cats). By providing good content, you'll be providing a meaningful service.

2. Be clean. In other words, lay off the foul language and foul images. “Hell” and “damn” are in the Bible, and they are often acceptable. But the audience doesn't need profanity nor do they need to see photos of someone's anatomy. Being clean doesn't mean you need to be milquetoast. You can be persistent, powerful, and even a little mean while staying clean.

3. Beware of the “Twitter Police.” Be careful about perceived spam or other overly zealous posting to keep from being censured by Twitter. Getting on the Twitter bad list can occur without warning or explanation.

4. Put pressure on weak spots. When trying to bring about social change, understand who or what is vulnerable to pressure and address the need for change in that particular arena. For example, Gov. Jindal's educational voucher program is a farce. Don't let up. Common Core is another vulnerability in his fake education reform agenda. Expose it for what it is: a cash grab that won't work.

5. Start or join a group. Facebook has many groups and they are easy to find, join, and start based on your interests. This is a great way to stay informed and work with others for a common goal.
   
6. Download two programs if you have a Smart Phone: The Free Mobile Member Guide for the 113th Congress http://www.gpo.gov/mobile/ and the 2014 PAR Guide to the Louisiana Legislature http://www.parlouisiana.com/guidetolaleg.cfm. It will be out soon and costs $2.99. With these two guides, you can learn more about legislators and contact them quickly. 
   Here's a trick to use when contacting Louisiana legislators: My state senator is Mack "Bodi" White. As an example, his public e-mail is whitem@legis.la.gov. Unfortunately, this will go to his office, and he may never see it. Better, send it to both the advertised e-mail address and his laptop/cell phone address by flipping the first letters of the public e-mail address to mwhite@legis.la.gov. This works for most legislative e-mail addresses.

In short, don't give up on your hobbies or adventures as you try to change things for the better. I'll leave you with a long quote by the late author Edward Abbey that sums it all up from my perspective:

"One final paragraph of advice: Do not burn yourself out. Be as I am-a reluctant enthusiast... a part time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it is still there. So get out there and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, encounter the grizz, climb the mountains. Run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, that lovely, mysterious and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to your body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much: I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those deskbound people with their hearts in a safe deposit box and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this: you will outlive the bastards." –Edward Abbey

From The Earth Speaks 57 (Steve Madre and Bill Weiler, eds.. 1983). Some believe the remarks were made at a conference in Vail, Colorado, in 1976. Other contend that they were spoken at a meeting in Missoula, Montana, in 1978. Quoted in WILLIAM H. RODGERS, JR., AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: NEVER GIVE UP, KEEP ON GOING. Bonine, John E. Washington Law Review; Aug 2007; 82, Pp. 487-488.

Thanks for reading.

Dayne

////////////////////////////

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker
Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com/
Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/
Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman
***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***

Progressive Voices, New Media: A Louisiana Social Media and Blogging Summit

PRESS RELEASE: Please come to the big event on Sat., Jan. 25.

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Carrie Wooten

Louisiana Progress is excited to announce Progressive Voices, New Media: a Louisiana Social Media and Blogging Summit. We hope you’ll join us on January 25th to hear from some of the leading progressive voices in the state.

If you can't make it, the even will livecast here: http://www.louisianaprogress.org/live/


12:15 – 1:15
Introduction by Bob Mann
Keynote address by Jennifer Berkshire of EduShyster

1:30 – 2:30
Progressive Social Media Panel
Moderated by Melissa Flournoy
Bob Mann, Something Like the Truth
Lamar White, CenLamar
Robert Wilson, Digital Media Coordinator, Louisiana Democratic Party

2:45 – 3:45
Education Blogger Panel
Moderated by Carrie Samuels
Tom Aswell, Louisiana Voice
Jennifer Berkshire, EduShyster
Mike Deshotels, Louisiana Voice
Mercedes Schneider, deutsch29
Jason France, Crazy Crawfish

4:00 – 5:00
Progressive Social Media Training Panel
Moderated by Bruce Parker
Zack Kopplin, RepealCreationism
Lance Porter, LSU Professor, Director, Digital Media Initiative
Dayne Sherman, Talk About the South

http://www.louisianaprogress.org/post/progressive-social-media-summit/ 

Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

==============================

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker

Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com

Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/

Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

 ***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***

 

F. King Alexander on Higher Education

LSU's Alexander Defends Tenure

Dayne Sherman  
November 3, 2013


LSU's Dr. F. King Alexander's Press Club speech on October 28, 2013. 

At 32:35 he gives a tremendous defense of tenure. I've never heard it defended any better. Link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/v/6o6E9kiYk0Y?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&feature=share&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=qQ5XeBPKN6yXRPlp2w503A

Thank you for reading and watching.  

Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

==============================

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker

Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com

Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/

Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

 ***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***

Mystery Solved: Crowdsourcing Louisiana Art

Please Help Me Identify These Paintings

Dayne Sherman
October 18, 2013
Revised October 27, 2013

The original post is below.  I was able to verify that it was done by the celebrated Louisiana wood turner and artist Chris Fry of Denham Springs, Louisiana, as of October 26, 2013, via phone call to Mr. Fry. He runs the Spoon Mill and is an award-winning artisan.

See articles and websites dedicated to Chris Fry below:

Spoon Mill - Home - www.spoonmill.com/

"Spoon making duo shared Louisiana recipes at New Orleans Jazz Fest"
http://www.nola.com/food/index.ssf/2012/05/spoon_making_duo_shared_louisi.html

Thanks to everyone who helped solve the mystery.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I am a budding collector of Southern art, and I have added two pieces to my collection. Can someone help me identify the artist who created these two oil paintings?

The paintings are signed by "Christopher Fry." One was in a 1970 juried art show in Baton Rouge (subject, two bird dogs and pheasants, a Collection of Contemporary Southern Art Show certificate for "Chris Fry" on back), and the other is of a tree with flying geese or ducks. Both are great pieces with beautiful frames. One has a tag from Henry B. Elsas, a former frame shop on Baronne Street in New Orleans.

From my research, the Collection of Contemporary Southern Art Show was a traveling art show sponsored by Sears Company and local art guilds. The shows would travel to 40 cities and display local artists' works. The selections were juried, and a first-place winner was picked. Then the winning pieces would be displayed in Atlanta. See article here: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1891&dat=19640624&id=iG0fAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RtUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=956%2C2305786

Send me any ideas at daynesherman@yahoo.com.

Thank you for reading.  

Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

==============================

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker

Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com

Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/

Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

 ***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***

 

My Shortest Column Ever

Throw Out the Bums, Not Women

Dayne Sherman

Column
Published in the Hammond, La., Daily Star
Updated October 13, 2013
Words: 200

I have a simple plan to solve the insanity in Washington. In fact, I can solve our legislative problems with one of my shortest columns ever.

Rather than getting rid of all 535 members of United States Congress as many have suggested, I’d rather see us throw all of the men out of Congress.

                                                           

Now, there are some sorry female members of Congress, but I’d rather not risk losing any of the good ones, and God knows women—for the most part—have more sense than men.

What about Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota)? She’s not far from taking up serpents on Sunday mornings. But she’s not running for reelection. Let her stay. We can use the comedy during these difficult times.

After we send the bums to the private sector, let’s have a constitutional amendment mandating at least 51 percent women in the House and Senate from now on. The country would be better for it. And the world, too.

That’s my approach to ending the madness.

Dayne Sherman resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He covers the South like kudzu and promises that he never burned Atlanta. He is the author of Welcome to the Fallen Paradise: A Novel. His website is daynesherman.com.

==============================

Dayne Sherman, Writer & Speaker

Web & Social Media: http://daynesherman.com

Talk About the South Blog: http://daynesherman.blogspot.com/

Tweet the South - Twitter: http://twitter.com/TweettheSouth/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/daynesherman

 ***This message speaks only for the writer, a citizen, not for any present or past employer.***