Important New Translation of Homer's Iliad
Homer’s seminal work has been around since 800 BC, and adored ever since. Professor Christian Kopff of CU-Boulder recently wrote the introduction to the new translation of the Iliad, and provides us with insights into why this new version is important.
Charter School Families and Organizations Connect Online
A new message board is available to help charter schoos and their families connect, with the goal of providing a tool for information sharing, networking and interaction between charter organizations and the families served. The message board is a service of CharterSchoolMom.com. If you are looking for schools in your area, don’t forget to check […]
Public Option Health Plan Fails Modeling Test in Colorado
The Obama administration has proposed a government-run health insurance plan generally referred to as a “public option.” Some believe that government can do a better job of running a health plan than private companies can. Others argue that a government-run health insurance plan will improve Americans’ health insurance choices.
“Sick-Out” and Impasses Highlight Need to Reform Teacher Pay
Hundreds of teachers in the Boulder Valley School District called in sick to work in recent days, leaving students in a lurch. District and union negotiators in Jefferson County and Greeley have declared impasses. The disagreements are all about proposed pay increases to teachers in difficult economic times. Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno and policy analyst Ben DeGrow discuss the problems of “sick-out” tactics and public employee strikes, as well as the need to pay teachers for excellence rather than seniority.
A Collective Temper Tantrum
Acting like spoiled children, over a three-day period, several hundred Boulder Valley teachers held a collective temper tantrum. Our government-run education system has trained teachers to expect a raise whether or not the money is available and …
Good News from the Gold Dome
Good picks by a Republican leader! Colorado Senate News has reported that Republican Senate leader Josh Penry will appoint a Democrat to the Interim Committee to Study Financing of Public Schools. The Democrat is education reformer Michael Johnston, …
Senate Votes to Allow Licensed Handgun Carry in National Parks
Originally published on Volokh.com Sixty-seven Senators voted for the Coburn amendment, which says that persons can carry firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges to the same extent that they are allowed to carry by state law. All Republicans except Alexander (Tenn.) voted for the amendment. So did Independent Bernie Sanders (Vermont), and 27 Democrats. Including, […]
2009 Charter School Legislative Wrap-Up
Sean Bradley, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Colorado League of Charter Schools, joins Pam Benigno for a 2009 charter school legislative wrap-up. Pam and Sean also discuss the selection of Michael Johnston to fill the seat Senate President Peter Groff left behind for an Obama appointment.
Colorado Charter School Champion
Once again, charter schools survived Colorado’s legislative session. There are many legislators from both political parties that deserve to be praised for their support of charter schools. However, Sean Bradley, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Colorado League of Charter Schools, deserves a loud “shout out” from all those who support charter schools. He […]
Typology of Colorado Charter Schools
Senior Fellow Krista Kafer joins Pam Benigno to discuss a Colorado Department of Education study titled A Typology of Colorado Charter Schools 2009 https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdechart/download/typologyreport_012709.pdf and the updated version of an Independence Institute paper titled A Chronology of School Choice in the U.S. https://i2i.org/files/pdf/IP_3_2007_revised_April_2009.pdf
Debt Detective
Our research found that information on local government debt is available to the public … on two conditions. First, citizens must have Sherlock Holmes-like instincts. Information about local debt can be found, but plan on digging for it. And, second, the results of your search may yield information that is considerably outdated.
5/11/09
Newsletter May 11 2009
