A big part of what is wrong with the current debate about reform is that it is dominated by what I think of as naïve optimists and radical pessimists. The naïve optimists are the ones promoting simplistic solutions like: "fire bad teachers," "lengthen the school day," ... Read Full Post >
When disaster strikes (like Sandy) we don't expect the police to volunteer their time, nor the firemen, nor doctors and nurses—although no doubt many do go above and beyond their obligations. But we do expect teachers to make up for the impact of poverty and austerity politics on schoolchildren. Read Full Post >
I find it ironic and hypocritical that the opponents of charter schools don't voice much objection to the loss of affluent children to private schools. Read Full Post >
After a decade or more of being "in charge" of our public schools, these "guys" (and a few gals) accept no blame. Read Full Post >
The part that scares me most is that this attack on public education goes along with an assumption long held by public school educators, too;an education philosophy that provides encouragement to those who've always said that those kids learn differently Read Full Post >
The biggest threat to public education doesn't come from charter schools; it comes from the loss of confidence and support from parents who have chosen to place their children in charters and private schools because they don't believe their children will be well served, and from politicians who starve public schools of resources and weaken them further. Read Full Post >
Let's think of three, four, or at most five issues we could unite on, principles that might cut across some of the unnecessarily warring parties. Read Full Post >
I've learned new and important lessons about the way education in American society works. I've also learned that the position you occupy often influences how you see the issues. Read Full Post >
Dear Diane, I shall miss writing to you, but count on me to respond often to your blogs. Read Full Post >
The "push out" rate at charter schools—not to mention the already too high rate at regular public schools—is a frightening example of how we push and pull at the same time without much thought. Read Full Post >
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