The Definition of Educational Insanity

by: Derek Viger

Tue Mar 09, 2010 at 10:59:04 AM EST

This post was inspired by the writings of Gerald Weinand and Bruce Bourgoine at Dirigo Blue.  I'd like to thank them both for continuing the debate.

Not only should Maine's education system continue to evolve, it must continue to evolve.  Our education system is still functioning on a Industrial Era model.  We continue to question why are kids leave school unprepared and/or uninterested in learning.  The answer is right in front of us.  Our schools are preparing them to work in factories settings. RING math time RING science RING eat RING english.  If we want to equip our children for the way our new world works this has to stop.  Learning, as life, should happen outside of the microcosm.  There are opportunities to learn about all the Rs integrated in almost every subject.  The world is moving toward a workplace that requires inventive problem solving.  To compete in a global economy our children will need to leverage one of America's greatest assets; creativity.  Why can't our education system do the same?

I have argued that money does not make education, schools should be adequately funded.  I don't think anyone can argue that our schools don't require at least a certain level of funding, though we could debate what that is.  Still in public education, arguments tend to center around this issue, left or right.  We're missing the point.  The money argument needs to be tabled until we can solve other critical issues.  I cannot stress enough how we need to fundamentally rethink how we deliver knowledge at every level.

You want to talk about increasing efficiency?  I'll hit you with some efficiencies.  I tell the following story a lot.  It illustrates a good point.  A teacher friend of mine suggested that he teach the same class for their entire time at his school, instead of shuffling them along year after year.  He spends most of the year getting to know his students, their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  Think of the learning time saved if a teacher got all of that out of the way and could continue with the same children.  Not to mention the time saved by knowing exactly what they may need to review at the beginning of the next year.  This is just one piece of the puzzle.

The idea I mentioned is the kind of productive thought that generally meets resistance from the entrenched system.  This is why people turn to charters or private schools as solutions.  The current system is not providing the answers people are looking for and is not open to change.

I'm not afraid to buck the system that is in place and challenge misconceptions.  You shouldn't be either.  Though we may not all agree on the exact methods, I am constantly encouraged by the other brave souls I meet who are tired of doing the same thing and expecting different results.  Those sincerely devoted to improving education don't want to destroy the system.  They want to remodel the house, maybe change the layout a little.  Ultimately we want to turn this rickety one-room school house into a brilliant cathedral of learning.  That might be a little dramatic, but for our kids' sakes, it's time to stop being quiet and start making some noise.

Baldacci Provides Some Budget Relief

by: Derek Viger

Thu Mar 04, 2010 at 11:35:21 AM EST

Due to what many are calling a "rosier" economic outlook, Governor Baldacci has released a proposal for a revised budget.  Baldacci restored $78.7 million in cuts today.  "From the beginning, I have been committed to presenting a fiscally responsible plan to balance the State budget," Governor Baldacci said.  "The slight improvement in the economy and the increased assistance from the federal government allow us to address legitimate concerns in human services and education while also making investments in Maine's long-term financial health."  Where does the money for the cuts come from?  $50.9 million come from a Revenue Forecasting Committee forecast upgrade.  Changes in the federal Medicare program make up the other $27.8 million.  Two of the departments that faced the largest cuts, Health and Human Services and Education, received the greatest funding increases.  DHHS received $37 million, while K-12 $20 million.

Governor Baldacci praised the bipartisan effort in finding budget solutions.  Baldacci assured Mainers he would continue to find money saving efficiencies and again vowed not to raise taxes.  "Maine families and businesses cannot afford a greater burden," said Baldacci.  A plan from Baldacci focusing on job creation will be unveiled next week.  "We have an opportunity to put people back to work, to create jobs and grow our economy," Governor Baldacci said.  Since government can only create government jobs, it will be interesting to see where this investment plan is targeted and what impact it will have.

More here.

Steve Rowe's Young Voter Efforts

by: Derek Viger

Tue Mar 02, 2010 at 18:57:04 PM EST

Steve Rowe has launched a few targeted grassroots campaigns since he announced his candidacy.  Last year, Rowe's campaign sought support from women voters with his "Women Rowe-ing" section and an endorsement from former Senate President Beth Edmonds.  Rowe has unveiled the newest arm of his grassroots effort.  The new group, "Generation Rowe", will seek to grab the attention of Maine's young voters.  With that in mind, it's time to consider how big of an impact will the youth vote have on the upcoming elections?  

Generation Rowe will work on campus outreach programs and new media tactics, ie. Facebook and Twitter.  "I want our young people to know that Maine isn't just another state in the corner of the map," said Rowe.  "It can be at the center of the global economy - if we make the investments so that our kids can grow up healthy, and our young people can pursue their dreams here, instead of by leaving the state."

More here.

Education Necessary for Progression of Transgender Rights

by: Derek Viger

Tue Mar 02, 2010 at 18:55:41 PM EST

I was deeply involved with the No on 1 campaign from early-2009 through Election Day. I knocked on hundreds of doors, made thousands of phone calls, and participated in dozens of events. If the election taught me anything, it was that without proper education and cogent refutation of opponents' slanderous claims, lies and misinformation will run rampant and destroy any possibility of advancing equal rights.

As I follow the pursuit of the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to clarify the Maine Human Rights Act in order to ensure equal rights for all transgender students in Maine's public schools, I can't help but feel that the public, and even some journalists, lack sufficient education on the issue. The staggering total of 594 comments on the Bangor Daily News' February 17 article about transgender rights alone speaks for itself. And, unless we want the outcome of transgender rights to be equivalent to that of same-sex marriage, qualified and extensive education is a vital prerequisite.

More here.

Partisan showdown undermines needs of Maine workers

by: Derek Viger

Mon Mar 01, 2010 at 16:13:24 PM EST

Let me preface this, my first contribution to the Augusta Insider, by saying that I honestly believe most folks who are elected to go to Augusta believe that they can work in a bipartisan fashion. I serve on the Utilities and Energy Committee, which last session had the highest percentage of unanimous committee reports. I can count on one hand, the number of bills that we didn't come to a consensus on. And, if my memory serves me correctly, only one of those unresolved issues was a result of partisan disagreements.

So I can say with certainty that most of us up here really want to find a way to come together and help the people of Maine.

However, a debate last week on the House floor devolved into a partisan showdown, and Maine workers nearly paid the price.

More Here

Southern Maine School Budget Woes

by: Derek Viger

Thu Feb 25, 2010 at 21:16:00 PM EST

It is clear at this point that Maine's schools are not immune to the budget pinch.  Yesterday, Simon Thompson wrote about possible cuts to the Portland sex education program.  This week several school district budget have begun to tackle funding problems.  Scarborough, South Portland, Falmouth, and Cumberland are fighting a fierce battle over funding.  What is going on in these communities could provide lessons for other Maine districts facing the same problems.

On Wednesday night, South Portland's superintendent delivered a budget(PDF Warning) including 31 staff cuts. Superintendent Suzanne Godin also proposed that the Mahoney Middle School be closed in 2011, getting by partly on federal stimulus funds until this September.  The closure of the Mahoney would save South Portland $900,000.  South Portland would save $767,000 from their staff reductions.  "None of these proposals are where we want to be," Godin said.  Godin's budget comes in at $$39.4 million.  The budget plan will also lead to an increase in class sizes.

Read more here

State budget gimmicks reveal lack of leadership-Rosa Scarcelli

by: Derek Viger

Sat Feb 20, 2010 at 16:07:16 PM EST

Don't they ever learn? I realize times are tough and budgets are tight in Augusta, but my jaw dropped when I read an article recently in the Bangor Daily News that said the state planned to realize $8.2 million in "net savings" by delaying payroll payments to state workers for three days at the end of the fiscal year and pushing the payments off to the following fiscal year.

Check out the Op/Ed, then maybe your thoughts.

Proposal to Let School Districts Choose Insurance UPDATE

by: Derek Viger

Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 07:45:59 AM EST

Legislative solutions to Maine educational budget problems are starting to come in.  Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) released a proposal for one such idea today.  Rep. Sarty's legislation would give districts the option to self-insure and hopefully save money.  "I've spoken with nearly 20 school superintendents, and they are all intrigued by this idea," said Rep. Sarty (R-Denmark). "They are keenly aware that the state's General Purpose Aid for local schools will drop by $92 million next year and is expected to remain at that level for the following biennium. Health insurance for teachers is costly, and superintendents are very interested in the idea of saving money by self-insuring. They see it as a way of preserving positions for teachers."

More here

UPDATE: Rep. Sarty's proposal was voted down today.  In a party line vote, the Legislative Council rejected the proposal  6-4.

Gubernatorial candidates on casinos

by: Derek Viger

Fri Feb 19, 2010 at 07:26:25 AM EST

An initiative to allow a casino in Oxford county will appear on the ballot, if not approved by the legislature.  State Matthew Dunlap announced today that he had verified petition signatures for the initiative.  Lewiston residents will have a chance to vote on a casino coming to Bates Mill No. 5 this June.  With the expansion of gambling once again on voters minds, Casinos No will be gearing up to fight these proposals.  In a press release this morning, Casinos No released statements of several gubernatorial candidates on casino expansion in Maine.  Most of the candidates say, "no thanks".Governor Baldacci has opposed casino expansion, as did Angus King and John McKernan.  As the press release says, our next governor could be influential on future casino policy in Maine.  When asked at the AGC debate the candidates gave the following answers:

The candidates opinions and more at the Augusta Insider.  There are a few surprising answers.

Scarcelli Looking to Set the Democratic Tone

by: Derek Viger

Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 20:02:13 PM EST

Scarcelli is working a strategy here, seeking to control the conversation surrounding the Democratic primary.  She led the discussion over school furlough days, clean elections, and most recently her fellow Democrats' mandatory gun check positions.  Whether this will amount to any support on the ground is another thing.  These maneuvers from the Scarcelli camp show her bold style.  It isn't about agreeing with her positions.  This is about Scarcelli attempting to define herself and force her opponents to follow her lead.  This is not to say that Scarcelli is the only Democrat to follows this model.Despite Scarcelli's attempt to turn the conversation around, Steve Rowe took a bold position on the tobacco tax.  Rowe's stance is certainly unpopular with some, including Scarcelli, but he did get out there first.

Putting yourself out there in a crowded political race is a double edge sword.  Around the turn of the new year, we said it was essential for candidates to separate themselves from the pack.  That hasn't changed, but you still have to be careful how you gain recognition.  There is a chance of making a gaff or inadvertently highlighting your opponents strengths.  Not everyone responded positively Scarcelli's position on clean elections.  One commenter at Dirigo Blue has already taken issue with parts of Scarcelli's pledge.  Though Scarcelli challenged her opponents to take a tough stance on gun checks and domestic violence, Rowe had a strong record combating domestic and sexual abuse as attorney general.  Here Scarcelli's challenge actually brought attention to Rowe's work on domestic violence, though the  issues surrounding the way Rowe released his response may drown that out.

Read the full post here

Ties Not An Issue In NPV Debate

by: Derek Viger

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 07:25:27 AM EST

Our article regarding the failed National Popular Vote proposal did not delve into the details of the two-and-half-hour floor debate. The Kennebec Journal made an attempt to, but failed drastically when they misrepresented the point legislators were trying to make.

Before delving into the KJ's error, it's worth noting, again the difference between a plurality of votes and a majority. A plurality simply means that one candidate received the most votes, whether that number is 10%, 20%, 40%, or any number in between. A majority means a candidate received 50% + one vote. For example, in the 2006 gubernatorial election John Baldacci won with 38% of the vote in a five-way race. He received a plurality, rather than a majority.

Simon Thompson with his take on last night's debate

by: Derek Viger

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 07:22:52 AM EST

As Steve Rowe said first and as other candidates later reiterated, "We're all Democrats here tonight."

After two hours of Democratic gubernatorial candidates responding to questions exclusively about job creation at Thursday night's forum hosted by the South Portland Dems, it became clear how many types of Democrats are throwing their hat into the ring for the Blaine House.

Despite taking nine pages of notes, I will not give a hit-for-hit recount of the debate; it is viewable online for those interested. Instead, I will give my personal impressions on how the candidates performed- from the unique viewpoint of an 18-year-old who has been of voting age for less than two months.

Creative Budget Solutions

by: Derek Viger

Wed Feb 03, 2010 at 20:29:04 PM EST

Maine is not the only state going through lean budget times.  Across the country states are agonizing over what programs to cut and save in order to come to terms with revenue shortfalls.  The education budget took a big hit, leaving districts scrambling to make ends meet.  A lot of folks want to raise taxes in some capacity.  That certainly is one way the state to mitigate education funding loss.  Cutting programs, increasing class sizes (ie. firing teachers), and mandatory pay freezes are a few of the other ideas being tossed around.  Times like these often spur great innovative solutions.  I'm not sure if I would call this plan from Washington state one of those, but it's still worth discussing.

More Here

Pingree, Scontras, & Health Care Reform

by: Derek Viger

Wed Feb 03, 2010 at 20:21:35 PM EST

Health care reform continues to progress at a glacial rate.  With the election of Scott Brown the Democrats no longer have the votes to push reform through.  The highly contested public option has been out of the spotlight for some time.  It's future looks bleak, or promising depending on your point of view.  "No one in Congress will say it's dead, but smart people can't figure out how it stays alive," says Politico.  Reps. Chellie Pingree (ME-1) and Jared Polis (CO-2) are attempting to resurrect the public option.  District 1 challenger Dean Scontras could not disagree more.Pingree and Polis sent out a letter among their fellow legislators, which will then be delivered to Senate MajorityLeader Harry Reid.  They are hoping a show of House support will spur Reid to introduce the public option to the Senate reform bill.  The letter is broken down into three points in support of the public option.  The legislators argue that Americans still want a public option, citing a December poll featured in the New York Times.  Many Americans don't support health care reform because it lacks a public option, they say.  Pingree and Polis' second point is that a public option will save tax payers money by bringing down insurance premium costs.  Lastly, the two state that there is significant support for a public option in the Senate if it were coupled with budget reconciliation.  Currently 107 House members have signed the letter, including 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud.

More Here

Rowe Win's Augusta Insider Primary Poll

by: Derek Viger

Fri Jan 22, 2010 at 14:22:37 PM EST

Nevertheless, the results are worth examining. As you can see, Rowe posted a strong victory, taking nearly half the votes. Many consider Rowe to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, and this non-scientific poll, at least, supports that belief. The results of this poll, in fact, mirror the results of some previous Maine elections. Often in Maine politics a field of six or more candidates narrows to a two-person race, effectively - even if nobody drops out.

Bill Passes to Allow 2009 Charitable Deduction Claims for Haiti Relief

by: Derek Viger

Wed Jan 20, 2010 at 13:05:18 PM EST

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud praised House passage of a bill that would speed up the tax deduction for charitable contributions for Haiti.  The bill (H.R. 4462) would allow individuals making a charitable contribution after January 11th and before March 1st to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim these charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return.  Absent this change, taxpayers would need to wait until next year to claim a deduction for these contributions on their 2010 tax return.  Michaud is an original cosponsor of the bill.

"The people of Haiti have been devastated and need all the help they can get to rebuild their lives," said Michaud.  "Mainers and Americans across our country have been extremely generous and willing to do whatever they can to help.  Passing this bill provides an immediate benefit for those who have already given.  It also provides an additional incentive for those who are considering a charitable contribution."

The bill makes clear that taxpayers making a charitable contribution to victims of the Haiti earthquake through a text message will be able to rely on their cell phone bill when claiming a charitable contribution.

Augusta Insider post on Patrick McGowan's entrance in the gubernatorial race

by: Derek Viger

Tue Jan 05, 2010 at 09:03:42 AM EST

With the entrance of McGowan into the gubernatorial race, the final piece of the Democratic primary puzzle has fallen into place. No other Democrats are likely to enter the race - at least, no major candidates. McGowan enters an already-crowded field with several well-known candidates.  While he shares a similar background as some of them, he stands out in a number of ways, and will be a serious candidate.

Before taking the post at the Department of Conservation in 2003, McGowan served as Baldacci's finance director during the 2002 gubernatorial campaign. He helped with the network that would prove vital to Baldacci's re-election campaign in 2006, when he was able to vastly outspend the publicly-financed Chandler Woodcock. Yet interestingly, McGowan has filed as a Clean Election candidate, meaning that he will join Libby Mitchell, John Richardson and Peter Mills in seeking public financing.

McGowan has also served as the New England Regional Administrator of the Small Business Administration, a presidential appointment that often goes to once-and-future candidates. Charlie Summers held that post under George W. Bush, for example. In McGowan's case, he was appointed to the position following two failed campaigns against then-Congresswoman Olympia Snowe, in 1990 & 1992. Both elections were the closest of Snowe's long electoral career; in 1992 McGowan may have defeated her were it not for the candidacy of Green Independent Jonathan Carter. The closeness of these campaigns reflects McGowan's competence at retail politics: shaking hands, doing events, meeting people, speaking.

Read the rest here.

MEA prepares to battle Baldacci funding cuts

by: Derek Viger

Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 13:13:56 PM EST

Anytime you deny something a person is used to getting they are bound to be a little upset.  Education funding makes up slightly over half of Maine's budget.  It should be no surprise to anyone that the education budget took some cuts.  Many districts have already been dealing with cutbacks already.  Now that Governor Baldacci's supplemental budget is public, one Maine group will seek to stop what they see as unacceptable cuts to Maine's education funding.  That group is the Maine Education Association.

The Maine Education Association is gearing up for a fight.  The MEA is planning to lobby legislators in the January session to stop the cuts.  The MEA hopes they can rally public support to convince the government to make "better, more informed budget choices."  MEA President Chris Galgay says, "We are going to have to work through the budget process one step at a time and advocate for adequate funding of public education at every opportunity."

Read more here...

Baldacci Releases Supplemental Budget

by: Derek Viger

Fri Dec 18, 2009 at 15:06:36 PM EST

Governor John Baldacci today released his supplemental budget - his proposal to cover the state's $438 million deficit. Legislators will face some hard decisions when they convene for the Second Regular Session of the 124th Legislature in January and take up consideration of the governor's proposal

Speaking earlier Governor Baldacci outlined the climate that has made trimming the budget necessary. "We are beginning to see signs that the economy is recovering," Baldacci said. "But unemployment remains high, consumer confidence is low, incomes are down and people remain uneasy. This national recession has been the longest and most severe since the Great Depression, and we feel it at home and at work."  The new plan drops the two year budget from $5.8 billion to $5.5 billion.  Where did the $300 million in cuts come from?

Read more here

House Passes Extension of Important Tax Provisions

by: Derek Viger

Thu Dec 10, 2009 at 14:19:35 PM EST

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud voted to pass H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009.  The bill extends a number of important tax provisions, including tax credits that promote research and development and investments in alternative fuels.  The bill also extends the deductibility of state and local sales taxes and property tax relief, as well as the college tuition deduction and the deduction for classroom expenses for teachers.

"This bill will make sure that important tax credits do not expire," said Michaud.  "The extensions of these tax measures will promote investment in U.S. businesses, save families money, and help teachers recoup money they spend on classroom items."

One provision in the bill that extends tax incentives for Empowerment Zones will directly benefit the Aroostook County Empowerment Zone. These tax incentives will provide businesses in the Aroostook Empowerment Zone with wage tax credits for the coming year. An employer can receive up to a $3,000 wage credit per employee for employees who work and live in the Zone. They also can receive accelerated depreciation expenses on items such as business equipment.

"The empowerment zone tax extension is a positive thing for Aroostook County," said Michaud.  "In Congress, we need to refocus our efforts on promoting economic development throughout Maine and the nation.  The extension of these tax provisions is important and a step in the right direction."