|
 |  ABC News -
Nov-04-2009Obama Touts Education Reform on Anniversary of Election(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
SOURCES
FIND OUT MORE ON THIS SUBJECT
President Barack Obama's mission when he comes to Madison on Wednesday: To celebrate the first anniversary of his presidential election with a talk about transforming education - and to dangle the carrot of billions in education dollars in front of state lawmakers like Wisconsin's who are considering reforms. Before the president makes a policy speech in the cafeteria at Wright Middle School, he'll also spend time with students in an intimate setting - the school's library, where 40 pupils handpicked by the staff will ask him questions. Beset by a still struggling economy, two wars, and a signature health-care reform still before a divided Congress, Obama has seen his poll numbers in the state and nation fall from the great heights of his January inauguration to the positive but more pedestrian figures of recent weeks. In the first visit to Madison by a sitting president in 59 years, Obama will seek to focus the nation's attention on efforts that his advisers say will lead to better schools in Wisconsin and around the country. "It's the first anniversary of the president's election, and we think that's important, because in this past 12-month period we have been able to meet and achieve various benchmarks consistent with the president's goals on education," Melody Barnes, director of the president's Domestic Policy Council, told reporters Tuesday. [1] Virtual school advocates are welcoming the President to Wisconsin, hoping for education reforms. While President Barack Obama stops by Wright Middle School in Madison to talk about strengthening education, advocates of online public charter schools in Wisconsin hope his visit will highlight the restrictions on such schools, and encourage lawmakers to lift the enrollment cap. "The virtual charter schools are under a cap of 5,250 students that are allowed to enroll in them. That is, of course, a restriction on charter schools, which Obama has publicly stated he is not in favor of. He wants to get rid of restrictions on charter schools." Thompson says thousands of families see their students excel in online charter schools in the Badger State; however, the enrollment cap needlessly prevents new students from enrolling in 2010.[2] When the White House announced President Barack Obama would be visiting Madison, the public's eyes immediately turned to the Kohl Center and Monona Terrace. Both are standard venues for big occasions, and both played host to Obama during his campaign. To everyone's surprise, the president chose Wright Middle School for this visit to talk about our primary education system. Sitting in southern Madison, the charter school could be the most illustrative example of Obama's ideals of education reform. 87% of Wright students are minorities, and 85% of all those enrolled come from low-income families. Education is incredibly important when dealing with situations like this. A good school will make all the difference to the growth and development to its students.[3]
MADISON (WKOW) -- When President Barack Obama gave a national education address in September, teachers and students at Madison's Wright Middle School were listening from afar. They never expected to see the President inside their own school one day. "It's just an honor that he chose our school out of all of them in Wisconsin," said eighth grader Celia Lohr on Monday. "I didn't believe it at first, because I thought it was a joke," said principal Nancy Evans, "but I also thought, what a wonderful surprise if this were true." Evans said the call came in last week that her building was scouted and approved for a White House visit. She would only say the call came in before Friday, the day the White House publicly announced the visit, hours after Governor Jim Doyle accidentally appeared to leak the news at an unrelated press conference.[4]
The Wisconsin State Journal notes that Wright Middle School is a 12-year-old charter school "that emphasizes getting involved and creating positive change in the community." Those certainly are themes Obama has struck before. One difference between the Madison venue and his previous visit, when he spoke at Green Bay Southwest High School in a town-hall style meeting: tickets were made available for that appearance. This time around, the audience is limited to Wright's students and staff and "invited guests." The tightened control might signal that it's less about public dialogue and more about the image the president wants to convey. His education message may be somewhat overshadowed by political news. It was a year ago today that Obama was elected president, and much is being said about what he has and has not accomplished in his first year. The results of Tuesday's gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia will also be on his mind; Obama spent political capital campaigning on behalf of the Democratic candidates. As long as the president continues to come to Wisconsin first to try out his messages to the American people, we hope he sticks around long enough to listen to our response.[5] WisPolitics: Obama visits Wisconsin day after GOP wins 11/4/2009 President Obama is set to address a Madison middle school audience today on education, but politicos will be buzzing about GOP gubernatorial wins Tuesday in New Jersey and Virginia. Obama's visit is the second to Wisconsin since his election, a year ago today. On June 12, he came to Green Bay to tout health care reform, an agenda item still working its way through Congress.[6]
President Obama recently presented states with an unprecedented challenge and the opportunity to compete in a "Race to the Top" designed to spur systemic reform and embrace innovative approaches to teaching and learning in America's schools. Backed by a historic $4.35 billion investment, the reforms contained in the Race to the Top will help prepare America's students to graduate ready for college and career, and enable them to out-compete any worker, anywhere in the world. Today, in Madison, Wisconsin, the President applauded progress across the nation as states undertake reforms that will enable them to better qualify for an award under the Race to the Top. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Education will issue the final application and guidance for states under the Race to the Top. This competition will be conducted in two rounds - the first starting this month and the second in June of next year - with winners announced in April and September, 2010. To be eligible to compete, states must have their second round State Fiscal Stabilization applications approved by the U.S. Department of Education and not have any legal, statutory or regulatory barriers to linking data on student achievement or student growth to teachers and principals for evaluation purposes.[7] At Wright Middle School in Madison, Wis., today, Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will meet with students and the president will speak about education reform and strengthening the nation's schools. Obama will promote his administration's "Race to the Top" initiative, a $4.35 billion education program funded through the Recovery Act.[8] The visit by Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Wright Middle School tomorrow comes as education reforms are speeding through the Wisconsin legislature with an eye towards qualifying for "Race to the Top" money.[9]
The venue for today's visit is Wright Middle School, a south-side charter school with a high minority population and poverty rate. Obama and Duncan will talk with some 40 selected students before his scheduled 1:30 p.m. announcement on "Race to the Top" funding. Wisconsin was good to Obama last year, handing him big victories in the primary and general election. Like the rest of the country, his popularity rankings have slipped since the beginning of the year.[6] "Ms. Evans met with all of us to talk about what an honor it was for Wright to be chosen of all the schools in Wisconsin for a visit from President Obama," Birmingham said. "So we started out with a cheer and a hip, hip, hurray, and then she talked about what we can expect and what she expects from the students. It means no cell phones, no backpacks or purses, but students can bring either digital or disposable cameras into the talk by President Obama. They can take all the pictures they want, but no video. There are certain parts of the school that won't be available as they set things up this week." The precise schedule for the president's talk to the students and staff has not been announced, but school district spokesman Ken Syke said that the school was not scheduled to stay in session beyond its regular dismissal time of 3:15. Students will eat at their desks with a picnic-type lunch on Wednesday because the gymnasium/cafeteria area will be set up for the president's talk. "It's over-the-top excitement around here," Birmingham said. Wright Middle School, named for the Rev. James C. Wright, a Baptist pastor and civil rights pioneer in Madison who died in 1995, opened its doors in 1997.[10] Evans has been principal at the school for 11 years. She said she has no idea how Wright got on the White House radar screen, and the choice seemed to be a surprise to Madison school district officials, too. Celia Lohr, an eighth-grader at Wright, said she was proud the president had chosen her school. "It's not a big school, and it's not the most popular school. It's a good school for the students, and this is such an honor for him to choose us," she said. Dwy'quan Morris, who is also an eighth-grader, said he was sorry that students and staff weren't able to bring other family members to the talk. He said he and his mother often talked about politics and he is especially sorry he can't take his little brother to the Obama talk at Wright. "He's three and a half, and he'd probably remember it the rest of his life. For me, I'm going to burn the words in my memory," he said. He also said that students would need to settle down quickly after the president, the media circus and the flurry of excitement leave his school following Wednesday's visit.[10] According to the White House staff, Obama likely will speak between 1 and 2 p.m. The event is closed to the public. Heim said Obama is coming to a place where he has strong support; 73 percent of voters in Dane County voted for him in 2008. "I think he's going to get a very positive reception in Wisconsin," Heim said. Gov. Jim Doyle issued a statement Tuesday saying Obama "has shown his determination to get our economy back on track, take our schools to the next level and provide more people with the health care they need." "I hope that his visit at Wright Middle School is not only inspiring to its students and teachers, but a reminder to all of us how hard this administration has worked for education," said Doyle, like Obama a Democrat.[11] When the voice on the phone told Principal Nancy Evans that her school had been checked out for a visit by President Barack Obama, she thought it was a joke. "Honestly, when they said they were calling from the White House, I figured it must be something like 'Candid Camera,' " she laughed. It's no joke, and now Evans, the principal of James C. Wright Middle School on Fish Hatchery Road, is in the midst of hectic preparations for the first visit ever by a sitting American president to a Madison public school, scheduled for early afternoon on Wednesday.[10]
MADISON, Wis. -- Excitement is in the air at J.C Wright Middle School in Madison as students and staff members are busy preparing for a midweek visit from the president of the United States. School officials said that parents should expect to get phone calls and backpack mail this week detailing the very tight security for President Barack Obama's visit and measures that they'll need to take dropping students off on Wednesday.[12] Excitement is building and potential hassles emerging as Madison readies for President Barack Obama's visit Wednesday. The public can expect some flight delays, street closings and parking restrictions as Obama arrives at Dane County Regional Airport and makes his way to and from Wright Middle School, 1717 Fish Hatchery Road, on the South Side.[13]
When the president is headed to your gymnasium, the school day opens with unusual punch. Wright Middle School eighth-grader Deion Ford showed up this morning with "Obama" shaved onto his head. Seventh-grader Jacel Schwartz gingerly balanced a Tupperware container with a sugar cookie she'd stayed up late to bake for the big-time guest. Sixth-grader Ari Davis wowed his classmates in a black dress suit and tie. "It's good to see someone kind of like myself in a leadership role," said Ari, 12, who is black and who was picked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance before President Barack Obama's scheduled speech at the school early this afternoon. As students rushed off buses, they lingered in the school's front courtyard, taking photos of each other and racing to break news of the latest bomb-sniffing dog to case the building. Air Force One is scheduled to touch down at Dane County Regional Airport early afternoon today. Obama will then make his way to the school for an address on education reform and a private meeting with 40 select students.[14] It's certainly a hell of a gesture for President Barack Obama to speak in Madison this Wednesdayafter all, it's the one-year anniversary of his election victory. It turns out he'll just be passing through, because, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, he'll have business in town to attend to come evening. Since Obama won't have enough time to properly savor Wisconsin after speaking at a local middle school, and since his speech is reportedly all about economic stimulus, it's only right that his aides should fan out across the city and drop some federal dollars on local goods. The A.V. Club compiled the following list to guide their search for Presidential souvenirs. Obama might want to guard his Wisconsin approval ratings by watching that he doesn't get caught sipping Bud Light again. If he ends up flying out of Dane County Airport, he might as well make a quick detour to nearby local brewpub Ale Asylum (3698 Kinsman Blvd., 608-663-3926) and grab a to-go growler of the strong new Satisfaction Jacksin IPA. Ale Asylum claims this beer boasts 8.2 percent alcohol by volume and offers "a warmth you haven't experienced since the womb."[15] MADISON, Wis. (AP) President Barack Obama will be making his second appearance in Wisconsin since winning election when he appears at a Madison middle school on Wednesday. His first visit was in June when Obama traveled to Green Bay to talk about health care. He's coming to friendly territory.[16] President Barack Obama's mission when he comes to Madison tomorrow: To celebrate the first anniversary of his presidential election with a talk about transforming education - and to dangle the carrot of billions in education dollars in front of state lawmakers like Wisconsin's who are considering reforms. "It's the first anniversary of the president's election, and we think that's important, because in this past 12-month peroiod we have been able to meet and achieve various benchmarks consistent with the president's goals on education," Melody Barnes, director of the president's Domestic Policy Council, told reporters in a conference call from Washington, D.C. today. "When the president goes to Madison, Wis., tomorrow, he's going to talk about his education reform plan and he's going to highlight the importance of innovation and excellence in our public education system."[9]
President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Wright Middle School in Madison, WI today, where he will speak on education reform.[17] Wednesday, November 4, 2009 4:56 a.m. Vote 0 Votes President Barack Obama will visit a Madison middle school today to speak about his proposals for improvement of education in the nation. In preparation for the visit to Wright Middle School, several agencies in the city have coordinated their efforts to ensure the visit goes smoothly, said Rachel Strauch-Nelson, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. Joel Plant, assistant to Cieslewicz, said numerous police officers, traffic engineers and fire departments have been called on for service, with some of those workers receiving overtime pay.[18] WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama travels to Madison, Wis., to speak about the importance of strengthening America's educational system. Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will also meet with students at Wright Middle School in Madison this afternoon.[19]
MADISON (WKOW) -- President Obama is just hours away from landing in Madison, and police and Secret Service are all ready to make this a safe visit. Obama is scheduled to meet with students at Wright Middle School before his scheduled speech at 1:30 p.m., at which time he's slated to speak about the nation's education system. You can follow all the days events on WKOW on air and here on our web channel WKOWTV.com; watch his speech live and join in a live moderated chat.[20] Students at a Madison school get ready to greet president Obama. It's the first presidential visit to Madison since the Harry Truman administration, and student Shurone Carter is looking forward to being a part of history at J.C. Wright Middle School.[21] The charter school, at 1717 Fish Hatchery Road, is the middle school with the highest percentage of minority students and low-income students of any school in Madison. "This will be good for us, because he's inspired us as the first black president," said seventh-grader Elias Dejesus. Teacher Jon Hawkins said he gets a little emotional thinking about the impact the visit could have on students' futures. "Any presidential visit would be amazing, but this president with these students goes way beyond that," he said.[14] MADISON (WKOW) -- A Madison middle school takes on a different look, as the Secret Service prepares for a presidential visit. It's the first time a seated president has visited Madison in recent memory: actually, since Harry Truman visited in the 1950s.[22]
The middle school President Obama will visit Wednesday is named for a man considered a civil rights pioneer in Madison. The widow of the Rev. James Wright says her husband would've been humbled by a visit from the President. Jacqueline Wright will attend the invitation-only event, along with her two children. Her daughter is flying in from Philadelphia. Her son, who served as the project manager when the school was built, is coming from Milwaukee with his daughter. Jacqueline says she hopes the visit helps students understand the importance of getting an education-something her husband believed strongly. Jacqueline, who's perhaps better known as Mother Wright, says she never expected to see an African-American president in her lifetime, much less a visit from him.[23] MADISON, Wis. -- Excitement is building at James C. Wright Middle School in Madison as students and staff members prepare for a visit from the president of the United States Wednesday.[24]
The swift turnabout in Madison has left Madison School Board members bitter and exasperated. They're deeply frustrated with the arcane shared-revenue formula that hits Madison especially hard and with 15 years of revenue caps that have forced school districts to pass budgets that couldn't keep up with the rising costs. As Arlene Silveira, Madison School Board president, puts it: "We've been talking for years about how this system is horribly broken, yet no one seems able to really step forward to change it." Funding of education in Wisconsin is a three-part exercise involving money from the state aid fund collected through income and sales taxes; local property taxes; and funding from the federal government, mostly in the form of aid for low-income students and those with disabilities.[25] The state funding formula also takes into account the cost of education per student, which, on average statewide, is currently a little over $10,000 (excluding transportation costs, capital and debt service), according to figures from the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, a nonpartisan watchdog group that gathers annual data on revenue, expenditures and other comparative information on public schools. The funding formula first focuses on how much money a district can raise through property taxes to pay those costs and then, using the pot of state general aid, fills in to help the district reach the average amount.[25]
Multiple factors, including things like higher-than-average costs per student or declining enrollments, reduce the amount of money a district receives in general aid. Madison, with 24,496 students, 47 percent of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch, will this year get just over $51.5 million in general state aid. The district got hit especially hard this time around because, unlike much of the rest of the state, its property values remained relatively stable despite the slump in the housing market. It did have some company in this regard. The Middleton-Cross Plains School District in Dane County, property-rich districts around northern Wisconsin lakes, and suburban areas in the greater Milwaukee area were also socked with the maximum 15 percent reduction in state aid because of their high property values.[25]
The School Finance Network includes representatives from the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association and the Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools, among others. Despite political differences that often put them at fierce odds in the past, as a group they agree that the current funding system is divisive, unsustainable and the reason many school districts lurch from budget to budget, with expenses rising faster than allowable tax increases. In its literature, the network notes that education has a profound long-term impact on Wisconsin's economy and, that, if current conditions continue, it won't be long before a number of school districts will be insolvent. Thomas Mertz, spokesman for the Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools, says the state funding system also has the unintended consequence of dividing communities instead of bringing them together through their schools. "Under the current system, the state shifts much of the tax burden and the blame to the local level," he says. "Yeah, it's difficult for anyone to raise taxes in this economy but the current system is broken." Mertz, who teaches at Edgewood College and is a Madison district parent and longtime observer of public school issues, says his group of parents and concerned citizens is advocating for a sales tax increase - a program it describes as Pennies for Kids. While the proposal is not in a final form, he says he is hopeful the state Legislature will consider a 1 percent hike in the state sales tax.[25] When it comes to changing the law, little of substance has happened, reflecting the political difficulties of bridging deep divisions between what various school districts and communities want, as well as between various school stakeholders, from the teachers union to school board members to taxpayer groups. Pope-Roberts has been involved with education issues, including funding reform, since she was elected to the Assembly in 2002. She says Wisconsin's current dismal economy constrains even those who are most committed to education and most dedicated to exploring a range of ideas. "It's very bad out there in the state. I think there may actually be some school districts that simply won't have enough money to operate after this year." Pocan and Pope-Roberts say they see glimmers of hope in some new, broad-based coalitions that are coming together to work on school funding reform.[25]
To qualify for a possible grant, the Wisconsin Legislature is close to repealing a backward state law that forbids schools from factoring student test scores into teacher performance evaluations. Your impressive Education Secretary Arne Duncan did Wisconsin school children a huge favor earlier this year by describing our state law as "simply ridiculous." Mr. President, please remind Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle today that repeal of this law is at the top of his to-do list.[26] U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who will travel with Obama to Madison, has said that Wisconsin's current ban on tying student test scores to teacher evaluations would disqualify it for any "Race to the Top" money.[9] The visit by Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan comes as a package of education reforms is speeding through the Wisconsin Legislature with an eye towards competing for "Race to the Top" dollars - $4.35 billion in federal stimulus money that could stream into a dozen or so states that propose innovative uses for it.[1] Today, Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan are touting education reforms as the Wisconsin Legislature considers bills being pushed by Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle to put the state in position to grab federal "Race to the Top" money.[6]
If the measure does not pass, Wisconsin will not be eligible for Race to the Top dollars. Education Secretary Arne Duncan told ABC News in July that as in any competition not everyone will win, and thus some states will not receive this funding. He said hopes the competitive spirit will drive reform. "I think there'll be tremendous pressure on states, state legislatures where things aren't happening, by parents saying exactly that: 'Our children deserve a slice of the pie, and we want that pressure,'" Duncan said, '''This isn't about winners and losers'''This is about challenging the status quo as a country, getting dramatically better and giving every child in this country a chance they desperately need to have a great, great quality education."[27]
Mr. Obama is hoping to change the subject. He is planning a trip to Madison, Wis., to spotlight his Race to the Top competition, a new federal program that allows states to compete for $4.35 billion in education grant money. '''It'''s the first anniversary of the president'''s election, and we think that'''s important because in this past 12-month period we have been able to meet and achieve various benchmarks, consistent with the president'''s goals on education,'''''' Melody Barnes, Mr. Obama'''s domestic policy adviser, told reporters Tuesday in a conference call to preview the president'''s trip. The decision to highlight Race to the Top makes political sense for the president: the competition, which has drawn favorable reviews from some Republicans, is already prompting states to change their education practices ''' even before any money is handed out.[28]
Obama will speak about education at Wright, a charter school with the highest poverty level and largest percentage of minority students in the Madison School District. It's also the first anniversary of Obama's election. On Monday afternoon, students bounded from Wright with orange memos in hand for their parents that said students must be in school Wednesday before 8:15 a.m., when doors will be locked.[13] A public charter school established in 1997, the Wright school is the smallest and most ethnically and economically diverse middle school in Madison (38% African-American, 37% Latino, 13% White, and 86% low-income). The school also has a significant population of students with disabilities (22%) and English language learners (39%), and outpaces both the school district and statewide average achievement for both student subgroups.[7] Barnes said the White House chose Wright, the middle school with the highest poverty level and the largest percentage of minority students in the Madison School District, because it exemplified the kind of progress the administration wants to see in schools nationwide.[1]
In 2008, Wright was recognized by the DPI as one of the state's exemplary middle schools. That year African-American students at Wright scored higher on average on state reading, language arts and science tests, but slightly lower in math, than black middle-schoolers across the Madison district and across the state.[1]
President Barack Obama will meet with students, teachers, parents and others at a Madison middle school on Wednesday.[29] Tomorrow, on the anniversary of his election, President Barack Obama heads to Madison, Wisconsin to speak at a local middle school.[27]
President Barack Obama will deliver a speech about education at Wright Middle School on Wednesday.[30] On Wednesday Obama is scheduled to visit Wright Middle School in Madison. At the school he'll give a speech about strengthening America's education system.[31] Obama will visit Madison's James C. Wright Middle School, where he is expected to talk about strengthening the country's education system.[11]
The Teacher Incentive Fund would ease the problem of teacher retention, especially at high need schools. Once fully in place, both programs could benefit thousands of schools like Wright. While the plan to visit Wright Middle School electrified the local community, Obama seems to have forgotten to address another crucial area of his reform--higher education.[3]
Barnes says the President is going to Wisconsin because of the education reform work going on there. He wanted to speak at a school with a diverse student population, and where there is positive achievement growth and this school has both. Rodriguez says Wright Middle School has been recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Education, and is known for its strong core curriculum and for its well-rounded curriculum in terms of offering enrichment programs such as arts and music.[32] The President will deliver remarks to students, parents, teachers, school officials and state/local leaders at James C. Wright Middle School on strengthening America's education system and putting the interests of the nation's students first.[7] The audience will be composed of approximately 500 Wright Middle School students, parents, teachers, and school officials as well as state and local leaders.[7]
According to Wispolitics.com the event is invitation-only and will primarily include an audience of students, teachers and school staff. Wright Middle School, a 12-year-old charter school, emphasizes community involvement and social action, according to its website.[33] Wright Middle School is a charter school that has the highest poverty level and percentage of minority students of any of Madison's middle schools.[11] We hope you can use your visit to Wright Middle School - a successful charter school on the city's South Side - to inspire more support for additional Madison charter schools.[26]
The Secret Service set up with a tent behind Wright Middle School in Madison in advance of the president's visit.[34] The presidential motorcade will be heading from the Dane County Regional Airport to Wright Middle School sometime after noon. The exact route for the trip is being kept under wraps, but Madison Police will be temporarily securing the motorcade route both on the President's way to the middle school after noon, and then back sometime after 2:00 p.m.[22]
Rev. Wright was a civil rights pioneer in Madison. He served as executive director of the city's Equal Rights Opportunities Commission for 24 years. When asked by WMTV News what her husband might have thought about the first African-American President's visit to a school name for him, Mother Wright, as she is called, told news reporters, "He would be delighted and very happy, but he didn't take things in such a way that be overwhelmed… He was more humble in that way."[17] MADISON, Wis. - President Barack Obama's visit to Wisconsin Wednesday will be the first stop in Madison by a sitting president in over a half century. The last presidential visit to the capital city was made by President Harry Truman in May 1950 when he delivered a speech at the UW Field House.[35] They are eagerly awaiting President Barack Obama's visit Wednesday -- the first time in memory a sitting American president has visited a Madison school.[10]
The south Madison school is preparing for a speech on Wednesday by President Barack Obama for a speech about education.[4] As for the logistics, all 250 students and about 50 staff members will be allowed a place inside the school gym for the speech by President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.[4] The federal secretary for the Department of Education, Arne Duncan, will also speak. The Madison Metropolitan School District hopes to make available staff and students later today to speak about their thoughts and plans for the visit. As to why Wright was chosen for the speech, MMSD spokesperson Ken Syke said he didn't know, only that the district was thrilled to have him.[4]
The president, accompanied by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, will make a speech on education in the school's gym. He'll also meet in the library with forty students.[21]
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is traveling with the president and will be with him at the event at Wright Middle School.[29] Not everyone will get to see the President speak at Wright Middle School Wednesday afternoon, but all Madison drivers could feel a traffic back-up throughout the day.[22]
"I feel very excited," said the 7th grader at the school on Madison's south side. "This is my first time seeing a president. He also hopes to hear words of encouragement from the president, a thought echoed by Wright student Jacel Schwartz. "I hope he talks about kids needing to read more," she said, adding that she has a couple of friends though not in Wisconsin who can't read.[21] A state-by-state breakdown released Monday by the Department of Education reports that Wisconsin has saved or created 6,320 education jobs from the more than $561 million it has received in stimulus money from draw-downs, reimbursements or invoices. Just as Obama came to Green Bay in June and floated the "public option" for the first time, his education speech in Madison, we hope, will provide substantive information on his plan for America's schools and institutions of higher learning.[5] As a candidate, Obama came to the Kohl Center on Feb. 12, 2008, days before the state's Democratic presidential primary. In the run-up to that 2008 primary, former president Bill Clinton came to the UW-Madison Stock Pavilion on Feb. 14 to campaign for his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, who campaigned herself at Monona Terrace on Feb. 18. Bill Clinton also came to Wisconsin on Oct. 1, 1992, on his way to a successful campaign for his first of two terms as president. On Truman's May 1950 trip, a time of Cold War tensions, he visited Madison to give a "peace" address to a crowd at the UW-Madison Field House and a nationwide radio audience.[36] The skit in the middle will give Obama the chance to reflect upon a time when Sarah Palin seemed only moderately deranged. That's only available on YouTube and MySpace, but Obama could actually take home a concrete anniversary present from B-Side Records (436 State St., 608-255-1977): Local hip-hop band Dumate's album We Have The Technology, whose most party-starting track, "Evolution," begins with a sample of Obama's election-night acceptance speech. Upstanding and erudite as he is, Obama might find himself celebrated most (in some circles prominent in Madison) for easing off on federal prosecutions of medical marijuana cases. He also sadly arrives here just a few days too late to enjoy the jackass spectacle of Madison's Halloween celebration. Would Obama be president right now if he hadn't projected the mix of agreeability and intellect so many leisured-liberal Americans wish to see in themselves? Well, it's a safe bet he'll maintain that just-bookish-enough vibe with an eye toward 2012, and if he gets a little more quality time with Wisconsin, we'll be disappointed if he doesn't read up beforehand. He's also the kind of guy who'd probably come out and tell us that putting unemployed writers to work would legitimately help the economy recover.[15] Truman's speech was broadcast to a nationwide radio audience. Obama had visited the state's capitol several times prior to his election, the most recent being February 12, 2008 when he spoke at the Kohl Center during his campaign. Prior to Truman's visit, Presidents Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt had both visited Madison while in office.[17] Coincidentally, Obama's visit falls on the same day Mark Halperin, a TIME magazine editor-at-large and senior political analyst, is coming to the University of Wisconsin to review the progress of the president since the election. Halperin said his event, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Pyle Center, has been scheduled for months and the coinciding visits were "happenstance." "We should look forward, but we also need to look back, so I will review record so far in terms of what he said he'd do before election and the unexpected things that have come up and predict what will happen with health care and global warming," Halperin said. Halperin added he will be attending the Obama speech today and may incorporate some of the speech into his lecture, depending on Obama's talking points.[18]
Obama's visit also coincides with a Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign in which Republicans have fielded a couple of well-known candidates for the 2010 election while Democrats have failed to field a credible challenger. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who is contemplating entering the race, is expected to meet Obama at Dane County Regional Airport and appear with him at the Wright event. Barrett and Doyle say they want to put Milwaukee schools under mayoral control - a controversial move but one of the reforms favored by the Obama administration.[1]
"I'm here in the spirit of believing change is still possible," Smith said. About 20 Madison East High School students also joined the protesters, saying they wanted Obama to push forward with more liberal immigration policies and making college more affordable. Exactly one year to the date of his election victory, Obama will be entering seemingly friendly territory. In a mock election last fall, he overwhelmingly beat Republican candidate John McCain among Wright students. Many of them wore pro-Obama T-shirts this morning, including specially designed ones saying Obama is "doing things the Wright way." He could face a little tough questioning. Deion Ford, the student with the "Obama" shaved onto his head, said he hopes to ask Obama what he thinks of year-round schooling. Deion said he opposes it because he thinks students would be more likely to skip school if they don't get a summer break.[14]
School officials have been teaching and talking about presidential issues since the election last year. "I don't think it's just because the president is coming that you talk about the president," said eighth-grade language arts teacher Lori Nelson. "We listened to his educational address and worked with that too when he spoke earlier this year." Evans said she's dealing with plenty of logistics, including beefed up security. "It will be different. Their schedules will be different, and they will be asked to do things that they are not ordinarily asked, but it is for a very honorable cause," said Evans. Evans said that she's unsure of why their school was chosen. As they watch the event take shape in their school, many students said that they're still trying to get over the shock that the White House picked them.[12] White press tents are in place on the school playground in anticipation of the president's visit, and school district workers did some minor maintenance overnight, ensuring that no matter what the weather, the roof won't leak. When students came to school on Monday morning, most already knew that their small charter school serving 255 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders had been chosen as the site for a presidential visit.[10] Wright is a charter school, with a diverse student population drawn from all over the Madison school district.[21] The Madison School Board just approved strategic action plans that don't even mention the words "charter schools." Just as significant, Mr. President, is your push for merit pay to reward those teachers who are doing the best job of improving student achievement.[26]
Obama!" said Kevin Xiong, another eight-grader. "Just a while ago, we were talking about how he was coming to Wisconsin and how I hope he comes to Madison. We were like, 'He could come anywhere' and then he comes to our school!" said eighth-grader Selena Armenta. Teachers said that they're trying to drive home just what a huge event this is for students to witness. "I said that this will be something that you'll remember forever," said eighth-grade social studies teacher Becky Peterson. "A student said to me, 'I can't wait until I become an adult and I can share this experience with my children.'"[12] When the administration announced the competition in July, four states ''' California, New York, Nevada and Wisconsin ''' had laws explicitly barring the linkage of student achievement data with teacher performance, said Andrew Rotherham, co-founder of Education Sector, a research organization. California has already changed its law, and the Wisconsin legislature is contemplating doing so, which is one reason Mr. Obama is going to visit.[28] Priebus said GOP victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey Tuesday were evidence that "voters are rejecting the failed policies of bigger spending and bigger government" and the policies of Obama. He blamed Obama's recent visit to New Jersey to prop up Dem Gov. Jim Corzine for sinking his re-election campaign and predicted the president will drag down Dems in the Badger State. "If Barack Obama couldn't save John Corzine, he can't save Jim Doyle and Mayor Barrett in Wisconsin. In fact it's going to have the opposite effect," Priebus said.[6] "Even in the places where our classrooms are working well, we can do a lot better, and President Obama is committing the resources for states willing to lead the way." Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said DPW is very excited for the visit and glad Obama chose to spotlight his education plans. He added because this is a federal visit, DPW has played a minor role, but he said he will meet Obama at some point in the visit.[18] The Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual School Families will welcome President Obama with a half page newspaper ad in the Wednesday edition of the Wisconsin State Journal.[2]
Only about 250 people are invited to see President Obama speak, including the school's students and staff, plus about 50 parents who were selected by lottery.[34] Actually President Obama will be putting the spotlight on one of our public school success stories, staffed by hard working and well qualified teachers who deserve every penny they earn, and probably more.[28]
More competition between schools is not what we need. All of those involved in education (teachers, parents, principals, Boards of education, districts, state legislators, and students) should be working together and sharing strategies. All schools are different, but they can learn from one another. This cooperation is what Obama should be rewarding.[28] Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Middleton, chairwoman of the Wisconsin Assembly's education committee, says part of the problem is that the changing demographics of the Madison school district, with nearly a 50 percent poverty rate, have not yet pierced the perception around the state that the district largely consists of well-off families. "You do hear the comments," she says.[25] The drop in general school aid amounted to $149 million, or 3 percent. These cuts, however, would not be shared equally across every district, and the formula used was particularly unkind to Madison, which overnight saw a gaping hole of more than $9 million, a drop in aid not seen by any other district in the state.[25] Milwaukee lost just under half a percent compared to last year's state aid distribution. Green Bay, with a new 4K program, 20,573 students and a poverty rate of 52 percent, increased its aid allotment over last year by about 1 percent and will get $126 million from the state aid fund. Eau Claire, with 10,725 students, 33 percent of them eligible for free and reduced lunch, gets more state aid than Madison: $58.4 million, a drop of about 4 percent from last year.[25] The proposed system would include multiple measures of student learning and growth gathered from the state's reading and math assessments, as well as incorporate incentives and goals for teams of teachers and a restructuring of the school day and possibly the school year. New Haven, CT recently ratified a new four-year contract for their teachers, including a new teacher evaluation system that considers student learning gains in the assessment of teacher performance and that identifies and provides interventions for struggling teachers through a peer-assistance and review program. To promote innovation, New Haven will promote a new process for changing traditional conditions in schools - enabling reforms such as expanding the school day - and will facilitate the conversion of underperforming schools into charter schools, where the school principal will select and build his or her instructional team.[7] The program centers on four basic "assurances" that states must meet to qualify for a piece of the pie -- turning around low-performing schools, in part by expanding charter schools; enacting rigorous, common academic standards; improving teacher quality and beefing up state data systems. In July, Duncan told ABC News that while this program "isn't about winners and losers," it is a competition so some states will be left out in the cold. Duncan said he hoped that tapping into the competitive spirit of educators and administrators will drive reform.[8]
The $4.35 billion '''Race to the Top''' program provides money to encourage states to increase academic standards, find better ways to recruit and keep quality teachers, track student performance and have a plan to turn around failing schools.[32] The visit comes as Wisconsin state lawmakers are considering numerous education reforms to improve the state's chances of qualifying for about $4.5 billion in federal stimulus money under the Race to the Top program. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)[16] He'''ll address education policy, with a focus on the '''Race to the Top''' initiative. That $4.35 billion dollar program, funded through the Recovery Act, is a national competition among the states, to inspire education reform. '''He'''s going to talk about his education reform plan and he'''s going to highlight the importance of innovation and excellence in our public education system,''' said Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, on a conference call with reporters, '''This competition is not based on politics or ideology or interest group preferences.[27]
The Race to the Top Fund provides competitive grants to encourage and reward States that are creating the conditions for education innovation and reform; implementing ambitious plans in the four education reform areas described in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA); and achieving significant improvement in student outcomes, including making substantial gains in student achievement, closing achievement gaps, improving high school graduation rates, and ensuring that students are prepared for success in college and careers.[32]
"America will not succeed in the 21st century unless we do a far better job of educating our sons and daughters''' And the race starts today. I am issuing a challenge to our nation's governors and school boards, principals and teachers, businesses and non-profits, parents and students: if you set and enforce rigorous and challenging standards and assessments; if you put outstanding teachers at the front of the classroom; if you turn around failing schools - your state can win a Race to the Top grant that will not only help students outcompete workers around the world, but let them fulfill their God-given potential."[7]
When the parameters on the funding were first announced, several states were immediately identified as already out of the running because of existing state laws. California, that state'''s legislature quickly acted to change its laws to qualify by allowing teacher pay to be linked to student performance. Barnes said a number of other states, including Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, Connecticut, Rhode Island have raised their charter caps or defeated proposed cuts to charter school funding, so that they too can compete.[27] Spearheaded by Gov. Jim Doyle and endorsed by state school Superintendent Tony Evers, several bills - including allowing state academic test results to be used among the factors in evaluating teachers and the creation a data system that would track students from preschool through postsecondary education - are scheduled to head to the state Assembly and Senate floors on Thursday, the last day of the current legislative session. Another bill considered by the Assembly's education committee today would expand the state superintendent's power.[9]
Federal Education Secretary Arne Duncan is also set to speak. Staff and students say they're not sure why the White House picked their school.[30] The White House says Obama's comments will focus on strengthening America's education system. His visit comes as the Wisconsin Legislature considers proposals to increase its chances of securing part of $4.5 billion in federal education stimulus money.[5] The White House intends to use the first anniversary of President Obama???s election to showcase his education agenda.[28] In the next few weeks the Department of Education will begin accepting applications for grant money. The awards will start to go out in January, but there will be two rounds of funding, so states that do not qualify or win grants in this first round will be able to apply again later in 2010. Yesterday the White House said the onus was on states to make the best case for why they deserve funding.[8]
The funding formula, so complex it makes the tax code look like beach reading, seeks to equalize the cost of education among the state's poor and rich districts by distributing state aid based on each school district's relative affluence. The system determines the wealth of a community through its property values, not income or ability to pay. Generally speaking, school districts in communities with high property values get less money from the state to educate their children because of their supposed ability to raise money through property taxes, while communities with low property values get more money to fill in what they are not able to raise through property taxes.[25] Unlike many suburban districts with high property values, Madison has other challenges, including a significant population of low-income students, English language learners and children with disabilities. The cost to educate these children is high, partly because of state and federal mandates that describe in detail what's required to provide an adequate education. Unfortunately for Madison, the state general aid formula doesn't account for these high-needs students when calculating who gets what. The percentage of funding available from government through "categorical" aids targeted at these students has been steadily dropping for more than a decade.[25]
Basically, our hands were tied," Silveira says. "The trouble with the politicians is that they tell us that they won't raise taxes, but that we can. It puts us in a horrible position with our own community, which has been so supportive of our schools. It doesn't seem fair." Although Pocan is sympathetic to the frustrations of Madison School Board members, he says he and other legislators must balance the needs of the entire state. He agrees with Silveira and others that the funding system needs a "complete overhaul" but says that kind of change would likely come with a huge price tag, which some school funding experts suggest could reach a billion dollars. "Given the current economy, that's not feasible," he says.[25]
Wright is also one of three middle schools in Madison that partners with the University of Madison in a teacher preparation program through an innovative model that pairs new teachers with veterans and delivers professional development and ongoing support.[7] MADISON (WKOW) -- Two days before a Presidential visit, there is excitement brewing at Wright Middle School.[4] Wednesday's Presidential visit is by invitation only. One of those in attendance - the widow of the Rev. James Wright. The middle school bears his name. "I feel like I know him. known him very well. just by looking at the television."[23]
Now I gotta look the part, hahaha." She has a prime seat for his visit to Madison. "Because I'm gonna sit near the front, they had to get my - I was surprised - they had to get my SS number and they asked me where I was born." Mother Wright, as she's better known, is the widow of the Rev. James Wright, for whom this South Side middle school is named.[23]
Two years later, Wright Middle School opened. The couple son's oversaw its construction as project manager. He will join his mother, and his sister, who's flying from Philadelphia to witness history. "From years to come, we will be talking about this. newspapers and magazines Will be putting Madison again on the map. hahaha."[23]
Lori Mann Carey found out she was chosen to attend Obama's speech at Wright Middle School with her daughter Sierra. "It is exciting beyond words.[24] The President will speak to a select few at Wright Middle School, which has an 85% poverty rate and a 90% minority population.[37] Secret Service agents are already in Madison, setting up with a tent behind the middle school. Joel DeSpain, the Madison Police Information Officer, says, "When you have a seated president coming, it's a much different sense of security than when it's a candidate. There's some security when they're a candidate: but when they're a president, there's even more security."[22]
When President Barack Obama leaves Air Force One at the Dane County airport and heads across the city Wednesday, he will be the first president to visit Madison while in office in 59 years.[36] MADISON (WKOW) -- President Barack Obama's planned visit to Madison Wednesday will be the first visit by a sitting president to our capital city in over half a century.[38]
Obama's visit to Madison will be the first by a sitting U.S. President since 1950, when President Harry Truman came to the city.[17]
Madison, however, is dependably Democratic. Local media report it's the first visit by a sitting president since Harry Truman, who came to the capital city on May 14, 1950. Republican started taking their shots even before the president arrived in Wisconsin.[6]
While it's great the president has chosen Wisconsin to test the waters on important issues of our time ' health care in Green Bay and now education in Madison ' we hope his visits are a way to include us in the national dialogue and not simply be a backdrop for it.[5] The Korean War broke out just weeks after Truman's visit to Wisconsin. Obama, former presidents Bill Clinton, John Kennedy and other former chief executives have visited Madison, making campaign appearances, but not while they occupied the Oval Office.[35] MADISON ' Today, on the one-year anniversary of his election victory, President Barack Obama will be in Wisconsin.[11] President Barack Obama is scheduled to be in Madison on Wednesday. Republican Party of Wisconsin Executive Director Mark Jefferson says there are ulterior motives involved, including trying to improve his image as Obama's approval ratings slip to 56%.[37]
The Republican National Committee is running a radio ad in Madison criticizing President Barack Obama and his stimulus package on the day of his visit here.[39] President Barack Obama will be in Madison this afternnon -- the one-year anniversary of his election.[40] Today marks the first anniversary of the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.[17]
"Well I think there's a couple things at play here. I think the President realizes he's not as popular as he was earlier on this year and he wants to get out in some of the swing states and try and boost his popularity a little bit." Obama's visit, which comes on the one year anniversary of his election to the country's highest office, is closed to the public.[37] Obama's visit comes at a time when the state Legislature considers several proposals designed to increase any chance receiving part of $4.5 billion in federal education stimulus money.[37] Only invited guests will be allowed in. His visit comes at the same time the Wisconsin Legislature is considering a number of proposals designed to strengthen its chances of capturing part of $4.5 billion in federal education stimulus money.[29]
The board was anticipating a rare year where public school programs and services were not on the chopping block and was looking forward to crafting a budget with minimal property tax increases. Initial projections worked out to a $2.50 increase on an average $250,000 Madison home on this year's tax bill. For once, it looked as if both parents and taxpayers would be happy with the budget, a rare scenario in Wisconsin where school spending formulas and revenue caps often seem tailor-made to pit taxpayers against school advocates. [25] Next year looks even worse, with a budget gap now predicted to be somewhere between $23 million and $25 million for the Madison school district, said Erik Kass, the assistant superintendent for business services.[25] In retrospect, it was really kind of pitiful," says Lucy Mathiak, vice president of Madison's School Board. The mood was decidedly more downbeat, she notes, in late October when the board gave its final approval to the $350 million 2009-2010 school district budget.[25]
Andrew Reschovsky, a University of Wisconsin economist and expert on school funding, concurs that Madison was hit harder than other districts.[25] The result was a steep reduction in what the state's 438 school districts would get from Wisconsin's general school aid fund.[25]
The school is named after the late Rev. James C.Wright, a well-known local civil rights leader. Last week, Gov. Jim Doyle indicated at a news conference that Obama would discuss the impact of federal stimulus incentives such as Race to the Top dollars. Doyle said he has taken steps in the past few weeks in an effort to improve Wisconsin's chances of receiving funds from the Race to the Top program.[33] The controversial "Race to the Top" program offers one of the first glimpses into how far the Obama administration is willing to go to create reform. Through "Race to the Top," Duncan aims to prop up states that innovate and inspire those that have not.[8] Barnes said that Obama will also disuss "the really encouraging steps that states and communities are taking to put in place reforms that are consistent with the 'Race to the Top'" - a competition among states for $4.35 billion in education stimulus dollars.[9] The program is a national competition among states that the Obama Administration hopes will inspire bold action for education reform.[8]
Barnes praised Wisconsin for moving aggressively on education reform modeled after a California plan. She says Mr. Obama will talk about the importance of innovation and excellence as part of his education reform plan.[32] On Wednesday he will be in Madison to talk about education reform and stimulus dollars for schools.[1] The president plans to talk to staff, students and a few dozen parents about education reform.[40]
In terms of the president's visit, all students and staff are invited to the speech. Officials said that any parents who want to opt their student out of the speech there will be alternative programming available. They said no parents have done so yet. Some parents will be able to attend, but it hasn't been worked out how they will be chosen.[12] Some of those students and parents will actually get to meet in a small group with the president before his speech Wednesday afternoon, but details about who those people are haven't been released. No parents have opted their children out of seeing Obama's speech.[24]
Some adults in the school parking lot voiced disappointment Monday that parents aren't invited. Tonya Ellis, mother of sixth-grader Isaiah Yancey, is happy her son can celebrate the anniversary of Obama's election. "We're overjoyed that he will be able to see the first black president," she said.[13] Lisa thinks the Wright School is great??? It is costing the tax payers a lot of money that is being taken away from the public schools and the other children. There is two sides to this voucher system, and the public school kids are paying the price for a few who parents don't show or make the kids behave or go to school unless they get special treatment. As for those who get the special school look at the percent who are minorities. The minotities get goverment housing, heat and lights special vouchers, then food stamp cards and yet the unemployed get what??? This is special treatment for the minorties and being pushed by the Obama group. Race problems are being created by this.[28] As the details get hammered out, emotions appear to be running high. Wright students got the official news on Monday from Principal Nancy Evans that Obama would be coming to their school. "This is amazing. This is a lifetime memory," Evans said. "At the school assembly this morning, I told the students, 'Even if you don't have a camera on Wednesday, there's a place that this will forever be placed that's in your head, in your heart.'"[12] Fewer people are more excited about Obama's visit Wednesday than the woman affectionately known in Madison as "Mother Wright." Jacqueline Wright, widow of the Rev. James C. Wright, said that Wednesday's visit is all about the students and it's a day they'll remember the rest of their lives.[24]
"Everyone is really excited. They're screaming; they're really happy, so it's a wonderful job to be able to make these phone calls," said Laurel Finn, school counselor at Wright. "And when you tell them, 'OK, I want you to know it's one adult per family,' oh boy, but they're still very gracious." Dad Vince Carey said he doesn't mind he can't go. "When she was chosen it was the best present," said Vince Carey. "Even if I don't get to go, I'm happy, as long as she gets to go in and see her favorite person, I'm good." The Careys said they hope it's a moment their daughter will remember forever. "I think it's so exciting for them because many of these students are being taught by this visit that, yes, you can do whatever you want to do," said Lori Mann Carey.[24] The mission of the Wright Middle school is "to educate all students to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in an evolving global society."[7] Monday members of the Secret Service were already at the school setting up security for the visit. Nobody at Wright Middle School, not even the principal, knows why they were chosen for the visit, but they say they're excited about the opportunity.[31] Secret Service agents are already in the city setting up a tent behind Wright Middle School.[40] After a six-year effort to renovate and recondition the former John J. Wright Middle School, the Spotsylvania County ]] Spotsylvania County School Board dedicated the John J. Wright Educational and Cultural Center last week.[41] The lingering question at Wright Middle School on Monday was why it was chosen.[4]
Obama's address is expected to take place at the middle school at approximately 1:30pm.[17] Only about 300 people have been invited to the event, with most invites going to middle school students and educators.[3]
Every student at Wright is required to provide at least one day of community service each year. "There's an emphasis at Wright that you don't need to look far to make a positive difference in your community, whether it's within the school or your neighborhood," Birmingham explained.[10] The focus of the school's charter is a social action curriculum. Recently, Wright students were successful in getting busy Fish Hatchery Road designated as a school zone after they studied traffic speed and patterns and worked with neighborhood and city officials.[10] Wright also sat on the city's Equal Opportunities Commission. Lori Nelson, an eighth grade language arts teachers believed all those factors may have come into play. "I believe being a very diverse school, and his education policy targeting some of the things we're working for here with closing the achievement gap," she said.[4]
Rev. Wright is considered a civil rights pioneer in Madison, having served as executive director of the city's Equal Opportunities Commission for 24 years. She says he would've been happy but cool and calm about a presidential visit. "He would be delighted and very happy but he didn't take things in such a way that. be overwhelmed. He was more humbled in that way."[23] A presidential visit can cause modest or major disruptions, depending on the destination, schedule and length of visit, officials from other cities said. "It's an honor to have a president of the United States in your city," said Dan Williamson, spokesman for Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus, Ohio, where Obama spoke at a police class graduation on March 6. "You're going to have a team of people show up hours and hours before the president gets there, bomb-sniffing dogs all over the place, that sort of thing," he said. "It's going to be a very different atmosphere."[13] Prior to Truman's visit, the Wisconsin State Journal published in advance a front-page map showing the route of the president's motorcade through the city, along with the times it was expected to pass.[36]
Gov. Jim Doyle said in a statement released Tuesday the state is pleased to be hosting the president. He said the visit highlights how much stimulus funding has saved schools from making devastating cuts.[18]
Very few of us know how to go through the entire procedure and benefit from the initiative. During his campaign, Obama was incredibly communicative. He boasted a certain transparency that we as voters weren't used to. He constantly reached out to us, but this stopped rather abruptly after his election in November. We haven't seen any major push for education-oriented legislation from the president yet, which makes his Madison visit pertinent.[3] "There haven't been many things that the president can point to and say, 'Here's what I accomplished.'" This is the first visit Obama is making to the Madison area since February 2008.[11] Obama is the first sitting president to visit Madison since 1950. If he can't be more accessible to the local community, the one-day stop could only be a short-lived sensation.[3]
To mark the first anniversary of his election, President Obama plans a trip to Madison, Wisc.[28] The route chosen by President Obama's security-conscious handlers is not being disclosed to the public, according to Madison police.[36] Madison city officials, who've been working for days to accommodate President Obama.[22]
President Obama will be here in Wisconsin Wednesday to deliver a speech with the education secretary about America's education system.[34] "Even in the places where our classrooms are working well, we can do a lot better, and President Obama is committing the resources for states willing to lead the way."[9]
The WPA Guide To Wisconsin, available at University Bookstore (711 State St., 608-257-3784), subtitled The Federal Writers ' Project Guide To 1930s Wisconsin, may be a good 70 years out of date for tourism purposes, but it'll help pad the stressed-out Presidential brain with some bucolic, historical tours of the state. It'll also help ease his irritation with journalists by recalling a time when they couldn't post juicy off-the-record audio clips behind the Commander-In-Chief's back. We helped make him. Wisconsin lent its electoral votes to Obama, and it's clear that some Madisonians will cherish his tenure forever. Sconnie Nation's (521 State St., 608-661-4350) pointed "We'll never forget you BRENT" and "Benedict Brett" T-shirts should serve him with a sobering omen of what awaits those who betray their cheesehead palsthe mockery of a few thousand harmless drunks.[15] Photos kept at the Wisconsin State Historical Society from the Wisconsin State Journal suggest President Truman's train also came through Madison in June of that year.[38] Not only did Wisconsin as a state vote for Obama, 73 percent of voters in the county where Madison is located voted for Obama.[16]
Jefferson says that's not the only reason for the stopover. "Well I also think this visit has a lot to do with (Governor) Jim Doyle and the White House trying to determine the next governor of the state of Wisconsin. I think they really have an interest in getting Barrett into the race."[37] In a statement last week the White House said Obama would discuss "strengthening America's education system."[33] The White House says Obama will focus on strengthening America's education system.[37]
You promised during your successful campaign for the White House to challenge the status quo of America's public education system.[26]
Joe Quick, a spokesman for the school district, said, "We're doing what we're told to do by the White House staff."[13] In the evening, the president and the first lady will host an event celebrating classical music in the East Room of the White House.[19]
The school's student population is 38 percent black, 37 percent Hispanic, 13 percent white, and 12 percent Asian. More than 85 percent of the school's students are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and 39 percent do not speak English as their first language.[10] The news was announced Friday, and parents, staff and students were abuzz over the weekend, school psychologist and positive behavior coach Mary Birmingham said. She noted that there was a brief assembly of all students and staff first thing Monday.[10] "I don't want to scream, do jumping jacks, that sort of thing." She is one of 50 parents of Wright students chosen to attend after the school held a lottery.[24] Evans said normal school day procedures like student drop-off, traffic, and security measures will be changed on Wednesday. She said information will be sent to parents by phone calls and take-home letters.[4] Parents who drop students off will not be able to do so in the school's parking lot Wednesday. That lot will be closed, and all students must be dropped off on Plaenert Drive.[24]
Students were hustled into the school promptly at 8, when Madison police shut down the parking lot.[14] Excitement is brewing at a Madison school as it prepares for a presidential visit.[30] Inside, the school's undergoing somewhat of a transformation in anticipation of the presidential visit. Jacqueline says she hopes the visit helps the children here understand the importance of getting an education - something her husband believed strongly. "The children need to know it's necessary for them to learn and to make an achievement after they're adults."[23]
In other presidential visits, Grover Cleveland was entertained at the Diemer Cottage on the shores of Lake Mendota. President Theodore Roosevelt came to Madison several times, including once in 1903 while he was in office.[36] Madison has been a frequent spot for visits by former Democratic presidents and candidates for that office in recent years. Their Republican counterparts have been less likely to campaign or visit the liberal city recently.[36]
"We're working very closely with the administration." City and school officials had few details of the visit, including when Obama is arriving, his route to the school, the program or how long he'll stay.[13] "By the time we found out about what a huge hit we were taking in aid from the state, we were already close to the end of our fiscal year and were locked into most contracts and programs for the school year.[25] AB 533: Would allow state-required tests to be considered as part of a teacher's performance evaluation. AB 534: Would give the state superintendent of public instruction the power to direct a local school board to make reforms, such as implement a new curriculum or expand school hours.[9] Doyle proposed legislation allowing for mayoral takeover of the Milwaukee Public School system and recently proposed other reforms related to teacher evaluations. "In Wisconsin, we are taking this as a great challenge, and we are really moving forward, which never would have happened without the recovery act," he said.[33]
New York is also considering similar legislation. Illinois, Louisiana, and Tennessee have all recently altered laws or policies affecting public charter schools to enable their expansion and success.[7] Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Ohio and Rhode Island have recently advanced policies to preserve and strengthen public charter schools. Similar efforts are being considered in California, Idaho, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan and North Carolina.[7]
Madison school and union officials have resisted your call for more charter schools.[26] The extra pennies would surely be welcomed in the coming years. With approval of the 2009-2010 budget under its belt, the Madison School Board is already beginning to focus on ways to address the larger shortfalls predicted for the following year.[25] "'Oh, Madison. Their idea of really cutting back is eliminating 4th grade strings.'" Madison School Board members are feeling particularly stung by this year's budget cuts because, the economy notwithstanding, they thought this year might be different.[25] Despite an ailing economy, Madison School Board members were guardedly optimistic last spring as they put together the district's preliminary 2009-2010 budget.[25]
"You may disagree with the goals, but when push comes to shove, the formula generally does a pretty good job of leveling the playing field," says Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. "That said, there's one kind of district - with Madison being an example - where the formula doesn't meet its goals as well."[25] The preliminary budget plan the Madison district drew up and approved in May predated the news that Wisconsin's revenue situation was far worse than predicted.[25]
Missouri became the 48th state, along with the District of Columbia, to join a national partnership led by the National Governors Association and the Chief State School Officers to develop a common core of new, rigorous college and career-ready standards in reading and math.[7] The system allows teachers, principals, and school administrators to engage in a process focused on improving teacher practice and increasing student success. Austin, TX has developed an innovative approach to performance-based compensation and career advancement for teachers that rewards successful teachers who improve the achievement and growth of their students and who take on additional roles and responsibilities, such as mentoring new teachers.[7] "That state'''s legislature quickly acted to change its laws to qualify by allowing teacher pay to be linked to student performance." This is a huge deal - something of an only Nixon could go to China, or only Bill Clinton could sign welfare reform. This little sliver of the administration's efforts is something that honest conservatives can get behind (in the same way honest liberals could get behind Bush's AIDS initiative).[27] Milwaukee, with 87,376 students and a poverty rate of 77 percent, will get about $584.5 million in state aid.[25] "A penny boost in the sales tax would bring us in line with surrounding states and would provide $830 million a year in aid for education," Mertz says.[25] In coming weeks, states will be able to compete for a grant from one of the largest investments ever made in education - over $4 billion - the Race to the Top Fund. These grants will be made available to states committed to transforming the way we educate our kids so that they can develop a real plan to improve the quality of education across the nation.[7] States and communities across the nation have recently undertaken efforts designed to promote education reforms that are consistent with the principles reflected under the Race to the Top.[7] In July, the U.S. Department of Education issued a notice of proposed priorities under the Race to the Top, and has received more than 3,700 comments from approximately 1,200 respondents on the various components of the program, including comments from 9 Governors, 20 State Education Officials, and over 200 education associations and organizations.[7] "The Race to the Top program will make states focus on what we can do for our students to reach the next level," Doyle said.[9]
Wisconsin lawmakers are working on a package of legislation designed to make sure the state qualifies for federal '''Race to the Top''' stimulus money, but the legislative session is due to end Thursday so it is crunch time.[32] Wisconsin'''s state legislature will vote on Thursday on legislation similar to that adopted by California, which would allow students performance to impact teacher pay.[27] Indiana now permits the use of student performance data for teacher evaluation and Wisconsin, with the support of the state teachers union, has recently introduced and is considering legislation to do the same.[7]
Under the draft criteria for the competition, states must not prohibit the use of student achievement data in evaluating teacher performance.[28] "That state'''s legislature quickly acted to change its laws to qualify by allowing teacher pay to be linked to student performance."[27]
Though we have seen progresses like increases in the Pell Grant, the higher education part of Obama's reforms remain largely elusive to college students. [3] The Obama Administration is committed to reforming America's public schools to provide every child access to a complete and competitive education.[7] Jacqueline Wright, the widow of the school's namesake, the Rev. James Wright, has been invited to attend Obama's speech at the school.[17] Let's urge the Obama administration to mend existing policies and create new policies which are a little more rational. Ideally, this would mean the conversation is guided by educational measurement professionals rather than policy makers who think that because they went to school they understand learning and how to improve it.[28]
When Obama went to Elkhart, Ind., for a town hall meeting on Feb. 9, about 40 local officers worked with the Secret Service and other law enforcement, racking up about $15,000 in overtime, Lt. Ed Windbigler said. The president flew into South Bend, 20 miles west, because "we don't have a big enough airport here to land his plane," he said. "Obviously, the Secret Service does this all the time. They were really good to work with," he said.[13] John Schalliol, director at the South Bend Regional Airport, said Obama has visited five times in a year, three times as president. Commercial or passenger flights were shut down 10 to 20 minutes before Obama's arrival and after his departure, he said.[13] One year ago, a historic youth voter turnout helped Obama become the first black president in American history. Many young people were impassioned by his call for community services and the promise of more financial support.[3]
Several dozen protesters, mostly from anti-war groups, had congregated at the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and Wingra Drive. Barbara Smith, with the Madison Area Peace Coalition, said she was personally neutral on Obama's performance as president so far. She added that as a peace activist she has never agreed with his continuing of the war in Afghanistan.[14] The location of Obama's visit probably offers clues about what the president will say today.[5] DeSpain says it usually costs the city between $10,000 and $15,000 when a presidential candidate comes to town. It cost the city of Green Bay roughly $30,000 when the President came to visit in June.[22] President Harry S. Truman was the last occupant of the Oval Office to visit the city on May 14, 1950 - a visit that came only one month before the start of the Korean War. "It's pretty cool," said former state Democratic Party chairman Joe Wineke.[36]
Jefferson says the timing of the visit is no coincidence. He wonders whether the President has his priorities in the right place, considering the recession, Afghanistan, education and healthcare.[37] In a conference call Monday with reporters, Duncan provided no details about the Madison visit, and, instead, talked of how federal stimulus funds have saved or created 325,000 education jobs nationwide.[5] "I think there'll be tremendous pressure on states, state legislatures where things aren't happening, by parents saying exactly that: 'Our children deserve a slice of the pie, and we want that pressure,'" Duncan said in July. "This isn't about winners and losers. This is about challenging the status quo as a country, getting dramatically better and giving every child in this country a chance they desperately need to have a great, great quality education."[8] The Department of Education will begin accepting applications in the next few weeks, and awarding the money in January. There will be two rounds of funding, so states that do not qualify or win grants in this first round will be able to apply again later in 2010. '''Ultimately, this idea is really simple,''' Barnes said, '''We want to support strategies that are working and replicate them all over the country.[27] As co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, the Legislature's powerful budget-writing panel, Sen. Mark Miller and Rep. Mark Pocan were arguably in the most powerful positions to influence the process. Board members say they got little help from Democratic leaders, both on the specific problems surrounding the 2009-2010 budget and on broader questions about fixing the state's long-term school funding. "I understand that the economy is terrible, but for years we heard that the reason we had this school funding mess was because we had Republicans in charge who were basically content with the status quo," says board member Marj Passman.[25] There are much better ways to go about it, including national criteria and standards (not norms) of acceptable and expected growth or performance. In this way, states and schools don't continue to game a system they and we all know to be flawed.[28] AB 537: Would change the way the Milwaukee Public School district applies for grants to improve pupil academic achievement.[9] "As much as I and other public officials want to improve public school performance, we can only do so if we can pay for it. Wisconsin will be gambling with our educational future if we make these financial and policy commitments and then fail to keep them," Miller wrote.[6] AB 536: Would direct the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, the Technical College System Board, the Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities to create a system linking student data from preschool through postsecondary education.[9] Prior to the Wright Center's existence, Spotsylvania students in need of alternate education had to line up for one of 35 spots at the Fredericksburg center.[41] I'd love to see that little beer tax raised and have it go to education." Adds Silveira: "There's been a great deal of talk about the importance of education and improving the system but very little real action that really helps us do a better job of meeting both student needs and taxpayer needs." She says all local municipal officials bear a particularly heavy burden, forced to cut budgets and services and go back on their promises to hold the line on property taxes.[25]
"It's like one of those things where you see another school have it and you envy them for that, but you know, it will have a good impact on their thoughts," said Xiong. "It's huge, even if you don't get to meet him or talk to him. Just knowing that he was at your school and chose your school is just a great honor," said Armenta.[12] "I don't know," principal Nancy Evans admitted. "We weren't told that, and once you hear that you don't ask any more questions, you're like, 'wow, he's coming here.' That was enough for me." "It's a good school, everybody acts right, so I thought it was the perfect place to speak to children," eighth grader Dwy'quan Morris said.[30]
While the center has been open since Aug. 25 of last year, dedication was postponed until all renovations were complete. "As word got out about this wonderful building, people wanted to come and tour," building manager Bernardine Miles said. "But I wanted them to see the final product. Like in my own home, I wanted everything in its right place." While the school was thoroughly updated during its renovation, architects kept most of the wood trim and ceramic wall tiles of the original building intact.[41] You've picked a great place to mark your first year in office - and an incredibly important topic to tout: school reform.[26] Among the school's signature reforms are a small and tailored instructional program; bilingual resource specialists (Spanish and Hmong languages); an academic acceleration program in literacy to support struggling 6th and 7th graders; and a mentorship and afterschool homework program.[7]
Parent Lori Mann Carey has had a one-track mind since Friday when she heard the president was coming to a school four of her children have attended.[24] Minutes later, 10 city garbage trucks began parking bumper to fender on the sidewalk outside to create an impervious barrier and block much of the view of the school from the street. Police said earlier this week that they would shut down parts of Fish Hatchery Road between noon and 3 p.m. today. This morning police said they would shut down the street from Wingra Drive to Carver Street at 10 a.m. Only two protesters had arrived as of about 8:30 a.m., both opponents of legalized abortion. One of them, Mark Kimble of Monona, said he wanted to be there early so that students would know "it is important for the strong to protect the weak."[14] Rev. Wright passed away in 1995. after having pushed for a neighborhood school in the city's South Side.[23]
The couple moved to Madison in 1958. "These are pictures when my husband and I were younger." A book, Jacqueline says was created by Wright students, chronicles her husband's legacy.[23] The Rev. James C. Wright was a civil rights pioneer in Madison. He died 15 years ago after 24 years as the head of Madison's Equal Opportunities Commission. The Wrights' two children will join their mother Wednesday at the presidential event.[24] The building is also named after Rev. James C. Wright, who helped draft Madison's first affirmative action law.[4]
"I'd love to do something that helps Madison, but the system is so complex with 20 or 30 threads all together that if you just pull one, something else unravels." He argues that even returning $100 million to the state general aid fund for this budget cycle wouldn't have helped Madison because the current formula would direct the vast majority to other districts that get more favorable treatment under the existing system. [25] "The real problem is the longer-term structural problems with the funding system. Some aspects of the existing formula really penalize Madison because it doesn't reflect the district's challenges of educating a student population with a high poverty rate and multiple languages," he says.[25]
Full covereage of the President's speech can be viewed on the Madison area television news channels.[17] All 250 students and about 50 staff members will be allowed to attend the president's speech.[30] Regardless, Wright's students and staff will have a guaranteed ticket to the speech. They say they won't spoil the opportunity. "The energy in this building is palpable right now," said Nelson.[4]
The Wright Center contains Spotsylvania County's Head Start program, as well as alternate education for middle and high schoolers with disciplinary issues. The center is designed not as a punitive institution for troubled kids, but a nurturing environment for them to continue their education. [41]
Since the presidential election, Obama has been a strong advocate for affordable, quality education that is available to all. Among all the segments of his education initiatives, K-12 is receiving the most attention, mostly because of its size.[3] U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will join Obama to likely discuss K-12 education.[33] NOTE: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to appear with the president.[37]
"I think in general, Wisconsin is very supportive of education reform and education in general," said Joe Heim, a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. [11] Jefferson says Obama shouldn't be playing politics with Wisconsin's gubernatorial race.[37] The Race to the Top fund alone would provide $4.5 billion in rewards to boost school performances.[3] Americorp does a pretty good job getting young teachers to start in such schools and populations. It may, but that isn't enough.[27] There has to be incentive to stay, and better salaries in better schools could cause disincentives. It isn't good enough to have tough schools be just revolving doors for young teachers.[27]
"I'm like the kids at James C. Wright -- I keep pulling myself in so I can focus on my work and my job," said Carey. "When she shouted, I was out of the room and I ran out and said, 'What happened?' And she said 'Obama is coming!'" said Vince Carey, Lori's husband. [24] Strauch-Nelson said the city is honored to have a visit from Obama and is more than prepared to make the event run smoothly.[18] State GOP Chair Reince Priebus insisted today's visit was a ruse to push Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett into the race for governor. Barrett, who was scheduled to be at today's event, has been weighing a bid since Gov. Jim Doyle announced he would not seek a third term.[6]
SOURCES
1. Obama to tout stimulus gains for schools in his visit to Madison
2. Virtual school advocates hopeful about Obama visit
3. The Daily Cardinal - Time for president to put focus on education
4. Madison middle school prepares for Obama visit - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports
5. Editorial: State deserves national attention | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette
6. WisPolitics.com
7. White House statement on Obama visit
8. President Obama Touts Education Reform on Anniversary of Election - ABC News
9. Obama to talk about education reform and highlight education dollars
10. 'The president is coming to see us?'
11. President Barack Obama visits Wisconsin in midst of education debate | postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent
12. Wright Students, Staff Prepare For Obama Visit - Madison News Story - WISC Madison
13. Preparation for Obama's visit extensive; hassles expected
14. Wright students begin day on high note
15. Air Force One gift-basket express: Wisconsin souvenirs for Barack Obama | Features | | A.V. Madison
16. Obama Returns To Wisconsin To Talk Education - wcco.com
17. Local coverage of Obama visit to Madison'''s Wright Middle School
18. The Badger Herald: News: Obama to speak in city today
19. The Associated Press: Obama speaks at WI school, hosts music event
20. Live coverage of Obama visit on WKOWTV.com - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports
21. Madison students ready for the President
22. Madison prepares for presidential visit; beware of traffic back-ups - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports
23. Widow of Rev. James Wright to Attend Visit by President Obama
24. Excitement Builds At Wright For Obama Visit - Madison News Story - WISC Madison
25. Madison schools -- the biggest loser
26. Don'''t back down, Mr. President
27. President Obama to Push Race to the Top - Political Punch
28. Obama Puts Spotlight on Education Grants - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
29. Obama to visit Madison middle school | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern
30. Madison School Prepares to Welcome President Obama - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News:
31. President Obama to visit an area school
32. » Looking Ahead: President Heads to Wisconsin Wednesday to Talk Education Row 2, Seat 4 « FOXNews.com
33. The Daily Cardinal - Location of Obama visit disclosed
34. Madison School Prepares for President Obama - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News:
35. Last Madison presidential visit in 1950 | StarTribune.com
36. Obama's Madison visit is first by sitting president since Truman
37. GOP official skeptical of Obama's Wisconsin visit
38. Truman last president in Madison - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports
39. RNC runs ad today in Madison ripping Obama, stimulus package
40. President Visits Madison On One Year Anniversary Of His Election - WISN 12: Politics News Story - WISN Milwaukee
41. Fredericksburg.com - Wright School is reborn
GENERATE A MULTI-SOURCE SUMMARY ON ANY SUBJECT
Enter your search query below. WAIT 10-20 sec for the new window to open.
Get more info on Obama Touts Education Reform on Anniversary of Election by using the iResearch Reporter tool from Power Text Solutions.
 |
|  |
|
