19 Jan 2012

Iowans for Public School Options Supports Legislation Expanding School Choice

By Derek Flowers

Iowans to be offered greater choice in education

Des Moines, Iowa - Today, the Iowa Legislature will begin the process to debate the Governor's education transformation initiatives with a meeting of the subcommittee on HSB 517.  Iowans for Public School Options offers support for HSB 517 and its Senate companion, SSB 3009, which would create expanded options in education to Iowa's students.

 

With initiatives such as greater access to charter schools, online education, and innovative learning models, this legislation gives parents the ability to choose a school that is the best fit for their children.

 

"Iowa has a tradition of pride in its quality public education system.  Giving parents choice through public school options will help Iowa to once again be a leader in education and ensure every Iowa student is getting the best education available.  We support the initiatives to expand school choice found in this legislation," said Brian Kennedy, Chairman of Iowans for Public School Options.

All across the country, state Legislatures are working this spring to allow high-quality options in education to become available to parents and students in their states.  Allowing Iowa families access to these innovative models that have proven successful will continue to strengthen Iowa's public education system.

SSB 3009 and HSB 517 include initiatives to expand school choice:

•    Creates pathways for students to access online education in Iowa

•    Enables multiple authorizers for new charter schools across the state

•    Increases waiver authority allowing schools to innovate and better serve students

About Iowans for Public School Options
Iowans for Public School Options is a chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) and is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, NCPSO advocates for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children. For additional information, go to www.PublicSchoolOptions.org/Iowa.

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19 Jan 2012

National School Choice week kicks off Saturday

By Ben Velderman
National School Choice Week set to kick off Saturday with a giant rally in New Orleans
By Ben Velderman
EAG Communications
NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans has always been known for its ability to throw a good party.

And these days the Big Easy is also developing a reputation as a showcase for the nation's K-12 education reform movement.
So it's seems only natural that thousands of parents, students and concerned citizens from across the country are gathering in New Orleans for Saturday's kickoff to the second annual "National School Choice Week," which runs January 22-28.
National School Choice Week (NSCW) is an umbrella group comprised of more than 300 organizations and tens of thousands of school choice supporters who join together every year "to shine a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children," according to the group's website.
Those options include everything from "great public schools, to public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, private schools, homeschooling and more," according to the site. 

Officials involved with NSCW work throughout the year to encourage lawmakers at various levels of government to maximize the number of educational options for children, therefore maximizing their opportunities for success.
The old idea of keeping students trapped in geographic school districts is no longer acceptable. More and more people are starting to understand that the "one-size-fits-all"  approach to education is outdated and ineffective.

"For too long, too many kids have been forced to attend very bad schools, or schools that aren't a good fit for them, just because those happened to be the only schools in their neighborhoods," said Kyle Olson, chief executive officer of Education Action Group and National School Choice Week. 

"What could possibly be wrong with allowing parents to determine the best school for their children, regardless of where it's located? The scope of a child's educational opportunities should not be dictated by their zip code."
New Orleans offers proof that choice works
Andrew Campanella, vice president of public affairs for NSCW, said the Big Easy is the perfect location for the NSCW launch because of its impressive record of increased achievement among students.
After Hurricane Katrina ripped the city apart in 2005, lawmakers decided that education reform was a necessary component to successfully rebuilding New Orleans. 

Chronically failing school districts have been taken over by the state. Families with students in those failed districts have been granted access to a variety of schooling options. As a result, the vast majority of New Orleans students now attend charter schools, which has led to a dramatic rise in student test scores and graduation rates. 

"New Orleans has been at the forefront  of education reform in our country," Campanella said. "It's seen tremendous growth in student achievement because of the choices that have been given to parents - everything from scholarships to virtual schools, charter schools and improved public schools."
New Orleans' public education system has undergone such a renaissance that last year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised the city for having the most improved school district in the nation.
"I continue to be in awe of the sense of urgency, the sense of commitment, the entire community getting behind the schools,"  Duncan said, according to NOLA.com.
Thousands expected at kickoff celebration
Thousands of school choice supporters - who represent the full spectrum of ethnic groups, income levels and political persuasions - will participate in the kickoff event, which is being held at the Lakefront Arena, located on the campus of the University of New Orleans. 

What binds the different groups together is the shared belief that all families deserve the right to choose the best schooling option for their children, Campanella said.
The NSCW event is meant to rally supporters for the upcoming week, as well as to celebrate the school choice victories that occurred last year, of which there were quite a few.
In 2011, Maine became the 41st state to allow the creation of charter schools. Other states, such as Michigan and Florida, lifted caps on the number of charter schools allowed in their states.
Last week, a judge upheld Indiana's new voucher law that allows low- and middle-income families to use state funding to attend the public or private school of their choice. The Indiana voucher program is the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation.
The new year seems equally promising. Lawmakers in Alabama and Washington state are considering bills that would allow the creation of charter schools, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is pushing for a voucher law that rivals Indiana's in scope.
After Saturday's rally, supporters will hold individual events in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
"There will be more than 320 events during the week," Campanella said. "We've tripled the number of participants that we had last year."
While National School Choice Week has a number of high-profile supporters - legendary comedian/actor Bill Cosby being the most recent recruit - the movement's success will be determined by the number of families and everyday citizens who get involved. 

To participate in one of the upcoming events around the nation, or learn more about the movement, log on to www.schoolchoiceweek.com.
"We're getting more supporters every day," Campanella said.
19 Jan 2012

Join Us Saturday!

By Brittany Marietta

Now is the time to explore educational options for the 2012-13 school year!

At Rivermont Collegiate, students are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zone and are part of an inspiring environment where learning is exciting.  Drop in Saturday to explore our campus, philosophy, curriculum, and programs.  No pressure - just information!

What: Rivermont Collegiate Open House

When: Saturday, January 21st - 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college-prep school, serving students in preschool through grade 12.  Rivermont students come from many Quad City area communities and financial aid is available.  100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges and universities.

 

19 Jan 2012

Keystone pipeline

By Grassley Press
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Senator Chuck Grassley commented on the President's decision today to stop the international Keystone XL pipeline project.  This project was approved in 2010 by the Canadian National Energy Board.  The Keystone pipeline would transport 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day and help to counteract both insufficient domestic oil supplies and reduce dependence on less reliable foreign sources.  It's been under review by the Obama administration for more than three years.

Senator Grassley's comment:

"President Obama's decision is stunning for how it favors extreme environmentalism over job creation and an energy partnership with a friendly neighbor, a relationship that could reduce America's dependence on volatile foreign energy sources, including Venezuela, Libya and OPEC.  His decision disregards the fact that unemployment in the United States remains at record high levels, and consumers face the possibility of $5 gas this summer.

"The reality that President Obama has flat out rejected the priorities of grass-roots Americans for job creation and energy production that's close to home means Congress needs to act.  Whether or not the U.S. approves the Keystone pipeline project, the oil will be produced, and if it doesn't come here, China likely will get it.  So, it's impossible to see how President Obama could deny that the Keystone pipeline project is in the national interest."

19 Jan 2012

IHT World Launches Dental Tourism Services For Low Cost Quality Dental Treatment

By Pam Brammann

IHT World announces the addition of dental tourism services as a practical alternative to the high price of dental care in the United States.

LeClaire, IA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

Dental Tourism services are now available as an option that gives Americans the opportunity to have expensive dental services completed outside the United States, at a much lower cost.

Americans can potentially save thousands of dollars, yet enjoy the same high quality dental treatment they would receive in the United States.

There is no question that a multitude of Americans cannot afford the high cost of major dental services. That's why IHT World is adding customized dental tourism services that will help reduce treatment costs, without compromising quality.

For example: The average cost for a dental implant in the United States is around $2,800. If you needed four implants, the total price will be approximately $11,200.

Using the dental tourism option, the cost is reduced to an average of $1,000 per implant. If you add in the cost of airline tickets for two and hotel cost for four days, the total cost is approximately $5,700. This produces an estimated savings of more than $5,000 from what it would cost in the U.S.

Due to the growing popularity of dental tourism, IHT World expects many Americans who have inadequate dental insurance to take advantage of this cost saving opportunity.

For additional details go to http://www.ihtworld.com/dental_tourism.html

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19 Jan 2012

EMMA'S REVOLUTION ~ CD RELEASE CONCERT in Cedar Rapids, IA on 2/12/12

By Rick Martin
emma's revolution will be performing a CD release concert on Sunday February 12, 2012 at 7pm at the Legion Arts, 1103 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.Tickets are $12 in advance and $16 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Legion Arts or (319) 364-1580. For more information, email info@legionarts.org. The concert is suitable for all ages.

CD release concert for emma's revolution's latest recording, "Revolutions Per Minute". With RPM, emma's revolution creates an electrifying soundscape ?of their characteristically "rousing and soulful" songs of social conscience, in settings from intimate acoustic to full-on funk.

 

emma's revolution contact: Sue Pate, (207) 272-9899, sue.emmasrevolution@gmail.com

 

ABOUT EMMA'S REVOLUTION

Smart, funny, informative -- like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars. emma's revolution is the, award-winning, activist musicians Pat Humphries & Sandy O. With hauntingly beautiful harmonies and powerful acoustic instrumentals that deliver the energy and strength of their convictions, emma's revolution creates new standards in the art and culture of social justice.

DOANE PERRY (drummer for Jethro Tull and?emma's revolution cds "roots, rock & revolution" & "RPM"): "I consider myself very fortunate to have had the great pleasure and ?honor of working with Pat and Sandy over the last few years. Their music is natural ?and organic and their innate artistic sensibility has the power to communicate ?with intelligence, wit, grace, subtlety and humor."

Their songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and recorded by Holly Near. "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" is sung around the world and has been called the anthem of the anti-war movement. "If I Give Your Name" won Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the band's music has been featured on NPR's "All Things Considered" and Pacifica's "Democracy Now!"

RICH WARREN, Folk DJ (Midnight Special and Folk Stage): "...dynamic performance with a social conscience, they continue proving that great topical and protest music is very much alive."

In the spirit of Emma Goldman's famous attribution, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution," emma's revolution brings their uprising of truth, hope, groove and humor to concert halls and peace & justice events environmental, labor, human rights, LGBT and women's rights events. Touring over 200 days a year, emma's revolution has performed at thousands of events throughout the US and abroad in Chile, Korea, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua and Cuba. emma's revolution consistently delivers performances that are an uprising of hope and harmony so powerful audiences leap to their feet.

JOETTA, FAN: "Y'all put the 'move' in movement."

emma's revolution has performed by invitation at the First Inaugural Peace Ball, World Culture Open in Seoul Korea, the Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, School of America's Watch Annual Vigils, Camp for Climate Action in Leeds England, UN World Environment Day, Rallies in Madison WI, Occupy DC as well as conferences, festivals, coffeehouses, schools/universities, churches, benefits and rallies around the world.

JACOB DEAN, ASSOC. PRODUCER, THE THOM HARTMANN SHOW: "I love the grass roots, organic message that emma's revolution delivers with each new album. It's truly a must listen for any activist today! You'll become an instant fan just like I did."

Listen to full song tracks at http://www.reverbnation.com/emmasrevolution and see more performance highlights, quotes, and press at http://emmasrevolution.com/promo/highlights/.

Official Website: http://emmasrevolution.com/

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/emmasrevolution

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmasrevolution

 

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19 Jan 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Nearly $19 Million in Federal Funding for Local Infrastructure Projects

By Nafia Khan

Community Development Assistance Grants Will Support Needed Improvements in 59 Small, Rural Communities Statewide

SPRINGFIELD - January 18, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $19 million in federal funding to address the infrastructure needs of 59 small and rural communities throughout Illinois. Awarded through the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), the funding will be used to make improvements to water and sewer lines, including replacing water mains, upgrading storm water systems and repairing sewer lines.

"This funding will help make much needed infrastructure improvements in many of our smaller communities that were hit hardest by the economic downturn," Governor Quinn said. "These infrastructure projects will help revitalize the local economy and create jobs."

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers Illinois' CDAP program, which is known nationally as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and provides federal funding for a variety of community-based projects. Communities with populations of 50,000 or less can apply for CDAP grant funding to support a variety of projects.

"Through the state's CDAP program, we are building up the infrastructure of our smaller and rural communities," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Warren Ribley. "These improvements will help provide safe drinking water and reliable water supply and sanitation systems while creating construction jobs to support the needed infrastructure upgrades and improvements, and will set the stage for future economic development."

On behalf of Governor Quinn, DCEO Director Warren Ribley visited Herrin yesterday to announce the city's $350,000 grant that will be used to replace water mains in the community. The nearly $19 million in competitive public infrastructure grants will be distributed to 59 small and rural communities throughout the state.

Illinois' CDAP program supports communities with populations of 50,000 and fewer that are not located within a US Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-designated "entitlement community," or one of the eight designated "entitlement" urban counties. The complete list of Illinois communities receiving 2011 CDAP-Public Infrastructure funding is attached.

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19 Jan 2012

IRD-Peace Corps 2012 Fellows Announced

By Melissa Price
ARLINGTON, VA - International Relief and Development (IRD), a major implementer of U.S. foreign assistance and a leader in the international stabilization and development community, has announced the 2012 recipients of the IRD-Peace Corps Fellowship Program. Mica Jenkins and Mark Strohbehn will work for three months at IRD headquarters, adding their field experience to IRD's work while learning new approaches to sustainable, community-based, international development.

"I am so pleased to inaugurate the IRD-Peace Corps Fellowship program, which we believe will help build a community of experienced and informed development professionals prepared to work and lead," said IRD President and CEO Dr. Arthur B. Keys. "We look forward to reaping the benefits of this new program and are convinced it has the potential to add value to our work, strengthen our productive partnership with the Peace Corps, and help the Peace Corps to secure extend employment for its volunteers."

During their three-month fellowships, Jenkins and Strohbehn will apply development theory to practical work experience, gain hands-on skills in research and writing, and increase their knowledge of the many technical areas in development.

Fellow Mica Jenkins served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic and Mozambique. In Mozambique, she worked on a women-focused health and food security initiative in which IRD is a partner. The experience encouraged Jenkins to want to learn more about sustainable agriculture and the ways it can contribute to long-term development. She graduated with a degree in anthropology from the University of South Carolina and is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee.

Fellow Mark Strohbehn served in the Peace Corps in The Gambia and Jordan. In Jordan, he worked at the Civil Society Development Center at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. He has a strong interest in the legal dimensions of international aid and development, especially the reintegration of refugees into social, economic and political life. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a background in political science and economics. He is originally from Brooklyn, Iowa.

In addition to providing fellows the opportunity to work with IRD practitioners and development experts, the program will create new opportunities for IRD and the Peace Corps to share information on best development practices.

Visit www.ird.org for more information on IRD, and visit the IRD Voices blog to read first-hand accounts from IRD staff in the field. You can also view a recent IRD-Peace Corps video celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, and you can stay up-to-date on IRD's latest news by following us on Facebook, Twitter (@ird_voices), Flickr, or YouTube.
IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief, stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRD's mission is to reduce the suffering of the world's most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure. For more information on IRD, visit www.ird.org.
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19 Jan 2012

Author Sharon R. Holub Book Signing Event

By Nicholas Depew

Author Sharon R. Holub Book Signing Event

WHEN: 1-28-12

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Dunn Bros Coffee, 787 Middle Rd., Bettendorf, IA 52722

WHAT: Holub, a resident of Davenport, IA, will be available to sign copies of her Children's book, Adventures of the Big Green Van.

When Shayla Christine and Christy Lee want to visit faraway places with their grandfather, they enlist the help of the big green van. With a little magic and a lot of love, the girls begin a journey to see the world with their grandfather in Adventures of the Big Green Van.

For more information, contact Terry Cordingley at 888-361-9473 or terry@tatepublishing.com

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18 Jan 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Disaster Assistance to Producers and Communities in 33 States and Puerto Rico

By USDA Communications Office
Funding Will Help Producers, Landowners and Communities Rebuild and Repair Damaged Land after Year of Extreme Weather

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012?Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today an important package of disaster assistance to help farmers, land owners, communities and others recover and rebuild after a year in which a wave of natural disasters swept across all regions of the United States. The funding, totaling $308 million, provides financial and technical assistance to help rebuild and repair land damaged on account of flooding, drought, tornadoes and other natural disasters in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Funding is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) as well as the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

"Landowners, individuals and communities have endured incredible hardships because of the intensity and volume of natural disasters that have impacted their livelihoods," said Vilsack. "America's farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation's economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow. This funding will help to rebuild communities, while states can use the funds to carry out emergency recovery measures. At the same time, this assistance keeps farmers on the farm, ranchers on the ranch, and landowners on their land, helping to keep American agriculture profitable."

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) will contribute $215.7 million to provide financial and technical assistance to address public safety and restoration efforts on private, public and tribal lands. When funding is allocated to a project, NRCS contracts the heavy construction work to local contractors, spurring creation of jobs. Typical projects funded under EWP include removing debris from waterways, protecting eroded stream banks, reseeding damaged areas, and in some cases, purchasing floodplain easements on eligible land. A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 EWP Program allocations can be viewed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp.

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) program will contribute $80 million to producers to help remove debris from farmland, restore livestock fences and conservation structures, provide water for livestock during periods of severe drought, and grade and shape farmland damaged by a natural disaster. FSA county committees determine eligibility based on on-site inspections of damaged land and considering the type and extent of damage. For land to be eligible, the natural disaster must create new conservation problems.

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) program will provide $12 million in payments to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) land in order to carry out emergency measures to restore land damaged by a natural disaster.

A list of states and their fiscal year 2012 ECP and EFRP allocations can be viewed at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/20120108_ecp_efrp_table.pdf.

USDA works with state and local governments and private landowners to conserve and protect our nation's natural resources - helping preserve our land and clean our air and water. In 2010, President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors initiative to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people. During the past two years, USDA's conservation agencies?NRCS, FSA and the U.S. Forest Service?have delivered technical assistance and implemented restoration practices on public and private lands. At the same time, USDA is working to better target conservation investments to embrace locally driven conservation and entering partnerships that focus on large, landscape-scale conservation. In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil erosion.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers.

A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. To help keep American agriculture profitable, USDA immediately responds to disasters across the country, ranging from record floods, droughts and tropical storms, with direct support, disaster assistance, technical assistance, and access to credit. For example, USDA's crop insurance program insures 264 million acres, 1.14 million policies, and $110 billion worth of liability on about 500,000 farms. Over the past 3 years, USDA has paid out about $17.2 billion in crop insurance indemnities to more than 325,000 farmers who lost crops due to natural disasters. And in response to tighter financial markets, USDA has expanded the availability of farm credit, helping struggling farmers refinance loans. In the past 3 years, USDA provided 103,000 loans to family farmers totaling $14.6 billion. Over 50 percent of the loans went to beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

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