Ashley Modrzynski

Jane Susskind commented on the post, TiEcon 2013: “Fostering Entrepreneurship” in the Silicon Valley, on the site The Social Ballot 1 day, 7 hours ago

More info: https://sv.tie.org/initiative/tiecon

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, TiEcon 2013: “Fostering Entrepreneurship” in the Silicon Valley, on the site The Social Ballot 1 day, 8 hours ago

“Fostering Entrepreneurship” is the motto of this year’s TiEcon annual conference, which takes place this weekend in the heart of the Silicon Valley. In what’s referred to as the World’s Largest Conference for […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Says Tuition Freezes Will Hurt University Services, on the site IVN 1 day, 11 hours ago

University of California President Mark Yudof has faced criticism during his tenure as leader of the prestigious 10-campus system. However, he explains there is more to his role than raising tuition and […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Dispels Claims About System Shortcomings, on the site Progress Report 1 day, 11 hours ago

University of California President Mark Yudof has faced criticism during his tenure as leader of the prestigious 10-campus system. However, he explains there is more to his role than raising tuition and […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Debate Over CA Online Voting Bill Weighs Accessibilty Against Security, on the site IVN 1 day, 13 hours ago

Independent voters now account for approximately 40 percent of all voters in the United States. Following the national trend, California voters are increasingly leaving the two major parties, with almost 3.7 […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, 7 Important Revisions to Education Funding in CA You May Have Missed, on the site IVN 2 days, 11 hours ago

As soon as Governor Brown released the May revision of the California 2013-2014 budget, analysts and experts were all over it. With regards to education funding, much of what had to be said about the budget […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, 7 Highlights from California Revised Budget for Education, on the site Progress Report 2 days, 12 hours ago

As soon as Governor Brown released the May revision of the California 2013-2014 budget, analysts and experts were all over it. With regards to education funding, much of what had to be said about the budget […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Immigrants in California Likely to Dropout or Attain Higher Education, on the site Progress Report 3 days, 7 hours ago

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 37 percent of the state’s immigrants who are 25 or older did not complete high school in 2011. Overall, 25 percent of immigrants have college degrees. […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, No Labels Town Hall: What Would You #AskCongress?, on the site The Social Ballot 3 days, 8 hours ago

Today, the nonpartisan organization No Labels is launching No Labels Radio, kicking it off with the first of a monthly series of Twitter town halls. With Gov. Jon Huntsman and Sen. Joe Manchin hosting today’s […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, 61% of U.S. Voters Disagree with Internet Sales Tax Bill, on the site Infographics 4 days, 5 hours ago

On May 6, the Marketplace Fairness Act, commonly referred to as the Internet sales tax bill, passed the Senate. If passed through Congress, the bill would force retailers to collect taxes for online purchases, […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Parcel Taxes Made Easier to Raise Local School Revenue by Amendment, on the site Progress Report 4 days, 9 hours ago

That’s what I’ve been thinking for a while now. Some of these communities don’t mind parcel taxes so much, but taxes seem to be coming from all different directions. However, I feel like parcel taxes are small […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Amendment Makes it Easier to Raise Property Taxes for Education Funding, on the site IVN 4 days, 10 hours ago

California school and community college boards can increase local revenues for their schools through a parcel tax. These are voter-approved tax increases on property.

Parcel taxes require a 2/3 vote in a […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Parcel Taxes Made Easier to Raise Local School Revenue by Amendment, on the site Progress Report 4 days, 13 hours ago

California school and community college boards can increase local revenues for their schools through a parcel tax. These are voter-approved tax increases on property.

Parcel taxes require a 2/3 vote in a […]

Indy commented on the post, FEC Commissioners Defend Agency Performance, on the site Money Talks 5 days ago

Another interesting point.

Indy commented on the post, IRS Targeting Conservative Groups May Douse Enforcement, on the site Money Talks 5 days, 1 hour ago

Interesting points you make here Alex.

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, A Lesson in Geography: Twitter vs. Mainstream Media, on the site The Social Ballot 5 days, 6 hours ago

Last year, Twitter hit a benchmark in its quest to the top of the social ladder, boasting over 200 million active users on the social network. What remains less clear, however, is where these users are located and […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Why Your Electric Bill is Getting More Expensive, on the site California 5 days, 13 hours ago

Depending on what territory you live in, the utility that provides your electricity is either owned or an Investor Owned Utility (IOU).

Contrary to popular belief, IOUs such as SDG&E, PG&E, and Southern […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Meaningful Drone Policy Comes From Meaningful Discussion , on the site IVN 1 week, 1 day ago

For most, the term ‘drone’ has come to reflect a dangerous and abused weapon of war capable of targeting enemies from above. The politically charged debate on drone policy has seen a transformation in the last […]

Indy wrote a new post, Example Post, on the site Penigma 1 week, 1 day ago

Welcome to Independent Voter Network . This is a brand new column, and this is an example post.

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Refinancing Private Student Loans Urged By CFPB in Report, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 1 day ago

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), there are over 38 million student borrowers accumulating $1.1 trillion of student loan debt. While most student borrowers are turning to federal […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, California Sen. Cannella Targets Cyber Revenge with SB 255, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 2 days ago

Introduced by State Senator Cannella, California’s SB 255 would make it illegal to distribute information and images of any person with the intent to cause humiliation and emotional distress without […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Student Expresses Frustration With Education in Viral Video, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 2 days ago

The following video is making its way around the internet as we speak. A student expresses frustration with how his teacher shows a lack of commitment to engaging with students. It is said to take place at a […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Bill Proposes New Standardized Testing Assessment to Align with Common Core, on the site IVN 1 week, 2 days ago

It is by law that California administers a form of statewide academic assessment. Standardized testing is criticized for futility, but Assembly Bill 484 attempts to put meaning into testing. By the 2014 school […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Next Chapter in Standardized Testing Aligns with Common Core, AB 484, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 2 days ago

It is by law that California administers a form of statewide academic assessment. Standardized testing is criticized for futility, but Assembly Bill 484 attempts to put meaning into testing. By the 2014 school […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Attention Journalists: Twitter Wants YOU, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 3 days ago

If you’re a journalist interested in the relationship between the newsroom and social media, Twitter may have a job for you. In a clear push towards attracting journalists to Twitter, the company has posted a <a href="https://twitter.com/jobs/positions?jvi=o5RpXfw2,Job " […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Keeping Up With California Education Legislation, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 3 days ago

California lawmakers have been cranking out new bills for the past few months. The legislature is increasingly active in the state of education ranging from K-12 testing and accountability, to the expansion of […]

Jane Susskind commented on the post, 5 Reasons Why U.S. is Not Ready for Domestic Drone Use, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

I think the way the “drone debate” is shaped in the media has a lot to do with the lack of understanding for the potentially beneficial uses of the technology. For starters, even just the repeated use of the word […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Says 4-Year Graduation Average Needed in CA, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a discussion with University of California (UC) President Mark Yudof on Tuesday. Yudof reflected on his five years leading the UC system and the state of […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, UC President Mark Yudof Sees Fundamental Changes Needed in Higher Ed, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 3 days ago

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) hosted a discussion with University of California (UC) President Mark Yudof on Tuesday. Yudof reflected on his five years leading the UC system and the state of […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Online Privacy Bill Halted As Silicon Valley Lobbying Doubles, on the site IVN 1 week, 3 days ago

The fight for online privacy rights in California took a major blow this month as AB 1291, or the “Right to Know Act of 2013,” became a two-year bill, essentially halting all action until January 2014. […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Florida Top-Two Open Primary Elections Proposed Legislation Features, on the site Independent Florida 1 week, 4 days ago

@jamesspurgeon Your first point is a valid concern, but independent candidates are hardly competitive in general elections as is. Political campaigns should be smarter and start early to build a base of support. […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, CA Lawmaker Proposes Business-School Partnership through Bonds, on the site IVN 1 week, 4 days ago

California Senate Bill 594 is set to incentivize private partnerships with public schools through bonds. The state would create the “California Career Pathways Investment” which would issue workforce […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, The Drone Next Door: Elevating the Debate #FTdrones, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 4 days ago

In order to delve into the implications of drone policy on Washington, technology, civil rights, manufacturing, and journalism, Future Tense Now, a project of Slate, New America Foundation, and Arizona State, […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, High School and College Instructors at Odds on Student Preparedness, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 4 days ago

In the latest ACT National Curriculum Survey, 89 percent of high school teachers believe their students are prepared for college-level work. However, only 26 percent of college professors believe their students […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, The Debate We Need to Have, on the site Ars Politica 1 week, 4 days ago

I had the feeling with your American history that our two-party system will eventually create one dominant party, which will lead to a break-up and create two more parties, and repeat. However, we see more […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, California STEM Push: Business and School Partnerships Through Bonds, on the site Progress Report 1 week, 4 days ago

California Senate Bill 594 is set to incentivize private partnerships with public schools through bonds. The state would create the “California Career Pathways Investment” which would issue workforce […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Tweet Chat: A Conversation on Drone Policy & Privacy #IVNchat, on the site The Social Ballot 1 week, 5 days ago

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drone policy has recently taken center stage, with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) search for testing sites across the United States intensifying the debate over […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Campus Handgun Bill Passes Texas Senate, Likely to Pass House, on the site IVN 1 week, 5 days ago

I hadn’t thought about the amount of car thefts that occur on campuses. That can be a larger issue than one would think.

However, I’m not sure what the enforceable penalties are for having a legal weapon […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, As Google Glass Nears Release, Legal Problems Arise, on the site IVN 1 week, 5 days ago

Honestly, I think Google Glass is a really neat idea, I hadn’t thought of privacy issues though. Even more interesting is the problem of college “cheating”, but I think it’s much ado about nothing. It can just be […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, We Should Stop Subsidizing Political Parties, on the site Fish Out of Water 1 week, 5 days ago

Parties can party, but it shouldn’t be at our expense. On a large scale the $400 million in state administration costs may seem insignificant but that’s still money being spent to insulate party politics.

Michael Higham commented on the post, Don’t Fear the MOOCs, on the site Ars Politica 1 week, 5 days ago

This probably provides the best perspective on MOOCs and the problems/benefits that have risen from its expansion. I was actually going to an article myself explaining exactly what you did, but you probably said […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, Proposed Bill Blocks Retroactive Taxes Being Imposed in California, on the site California 2 weeks ago

Retroactive taxes is probably one of the worst moves a taxing entity can do. It’s one thing to limit tax breaks on businesses but to go back and ask them to pay taxes it didn’t have to pay in the past is another. […]

Michael Higham commented on the post, South Carolina Nullification Bill Passes House, on the site ICON 2 weeks ago

Geez, state governments are going to the extreme to fight back against ACA. There has to be a better way to resist or work with ACA than making it a felony to enforce the act.

Michael Higham commented on the post, What Is Cinco de Mayo?, on the site Infographics 2 weeks ago

Cinco de Mayo is pretty big here in San Diego, so many streets closed off for parades but the food is awesome at these festivals! Fair trade-off.

Michael Higham wrote a new post, 2013 College Graduates Highly Sought Despite Economic Struggles, on the site Progress Report 2 weeks ago

It’s the beginning of May and graduation is nearly upon about 1.8 million college seniors. The times spent in college may be the glory days for some, but students of today are looking to the challenges of […]

Jane Susskind commented on the post, Emotions Play a Major Role in the Course of History, on the site History Unspun 2 weeks, 1 day ago

I think you address a very important question: “Did we differentiate these Japanese soldiers in the pictures, from other Asian-Americans?”

The media today should be held accountable to answering this question, […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, Online Course Expansion Receives Backlash From San Jose Professors, on the site Progress Report 2 weeks, 1 day ago

San Jose State University (SJSU) has been a leading campus in California with regards to online course expansion. It will be expanding its partnerships with Udacity and edX, private online education companies, […]

Jane Susskind wrote a new post, Facebook Graph Search Raises Privacy Concerns, on the site The Social Ballot 2 weeks, 1 day ago

What is Facebook Graph Search?
In January, Facebook released Graph search, a function designed to allow users to tap into the vast amount of user information to search for specific results among friends based […]

Michael Higham wrote a new post, AB 864 Provides Athletic Trainer Regulations, One Member Votes Against, on the site California 2 weeks, 1 day ago

California Assembly Bill 864 is an attempt to address the issue of under-qualified athletic trainers practicing in the profession. California is one of two states that does not have laws regulating the […]

Jane Susskind commented on the post, Is It Time to Walk Away from Omelas?, on the site Ars Politica 2 weeks, 1 day ago

It’s interesting to think about society like that. What is sacrificed to maintain the society we have created? Who suffers? If we aren’t the ones suffering, we more often than not accept society, but those […]

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