Republican presidential hopefuls debate. UTLA aims to block voluntary teacher effectiveness program. Does monogamy need an update? Charles Dillingham leaving CTG.
Republican presidential hopefuls debate
The Grand Old Party's presidential contest kicked off last night in New Hampshire. Seven candidates in the ever-growing Republican field debated each other -- or made a series of announcements, depending on your take. Tea Party favorite Michele Bachman took the opportunity to declare her run officially -- joining Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Senator Rick Santorum, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, pizza magnate Herman Cain and Congressman Ron Paul. And to add to the field, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman announced today his intention to join the fray. The focus of the evening was squarely on Mitt Romney. Though there was little back-biting between the candidates, most of the rhetoric was directed against President Obama and his policies with the economy taking the lead as the topic of discussion. What did you learn about the candidates and their policy platforms? Are you satisfied with the selection so far? Or would you welcome a few more contenders -- perhaps a Texas governor or a former VP candidate?
Guests:
Jon Fleischman, Republican strategist; founder and publisher of FlashReport.org
Chris Lehane, Democratic Consultant, Fabiani & Lehane
UTLA aims to block voluntary teacher effectiveness program
Evaluating teacher effectiveness has long been a goal of both the Los Angeles Unified School District and the teachers’ union, UTLA. But just how to go about it has been a point of contention between the two groups. After a controversial database was published that scored teachers on a “value-added” system, grading teachers on how students progressed under their tutelage, the school board voted to begin authorizing a new scoring system based on that method. The UTLA objected, claiming the method is unreliable. Tensions escalated when LAUSD officials announced they would start a pilot voluntary evaluation program in 2012, prompting the UTLA to file a grievance last week alleging unfair labor practices. With teacher tenure, hirings and firings hanging in the balance, there’s a lot at stake in this schoolyard brawl. How should the school district evaluate its educators? Which method gives you the most confidence in your child’s education? If you’re a teacher, would you participate in a voluntary evaluation program?
Guests:
Yolie Flores, member of the Board of Education for Los Angeles Unified School District
A.J. Duffy, President, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)
Does monogamy need an update?
Men – and women – have been cheating on one another since marriage became an institution. But the new millennium has brought many changes to marriage and monogamy. These days, people are more open about having an unconventional marriage. Public figures such as billionaire investor Warren Buffet and actress Tilda Swinton are upfront about their open relationships. Millions of Americans consider themselves swingers; millions more are in a committed relationship with more than one other partner. The “polyamorous” espouse relationships with multiple, mutually consenting partners. So, at a time when a willing sexual partner can be a click away and more of us are admitting that traditional marriage doesn’t do it for us, is marriage obsolete? Is it time to do away with the whole notion of “til death do us part?” Do we need to reinvent the concept of marriage for a new American century?
Guest:
Jennifer Berman, Urologist and Sexual Health Expert
Charles Dillingham leaving CTG
Charles Dillingham has been managing the finances and overseeing the marketing and administration of the Center Theater Group for nearly 20 years but this month he is stepping down. During his tenure as CTG’s managing director, he has presided over the renovations of the Ahmanson Theater and the Mark Taper Forum and the building and opening of the Kirk Douglas Theater in Culver City. Like other arts organization CTG has had to cope with budgetary constraints and last year laid-off a tenth of its full-time staff of 120 employees. With tickets sales slumping for some shows and donations taking a hit, Dillingham admits that these are tough economic times for performing arts organizations but he is optimistic about the future of CTG. How are arts organizations responding to bleak economic times? What does a veteran manager of the arts have to tell us about the state of the performing arts in Southern California?
Guest:
Charles Dillingham, managing director of the Center Theatre Group which comprises the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and the building and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City.