Most panelists agreed that there is a yawning gap between the "reform" policies of the moment and the consensus among scholars who have devoted their lives to studying the issues. How to bridge that gap? Read Full Post >
We instead encourage children from ages 4 to 18 to think it's mostly about doing better in school so you'll do better in school OR, big step forward, you'll get a better-paying job. (Or ANY job.) We actually offer them statistical proof of this, over and over. Read Full Post >
Editor's Note: Bridging Differences begins its annual summer break after Deborah Meier's upcoming post on Thursday. The blog will return in September. Dear Deborah, This is my last blog until the fall. Time to take a break and recharge our batteries or whatever it is that keeps us going. I have... Read Full Post >
Dear Deborah, This year the federal testing program (the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP) expanded to include 18 urban districts. The testing of urban districts is known as TUDA (or, Trial Urban District Assessment). TUDA was launched in 2002, in response to a request by the Co... Read Full Post >
Dear Deborah, In my book I argue that No Child Left Behind was a failed strategy. We both know the reasons why. It narrowed the curriculum; it introduced a culture of testing and test prepping into the nation's schools; it represented an unprecedented extension of federal control into the nation's... Read Full Post >
Dear Diane, Will this period mostly be known for the extraordinarily high levels of everyday corruption and the buying and selling of democracy? We're growing accustomed to it. We jail folks for smoking pot, while corporations (full-scale citizens, according to the Supreme Court) can't be jailed fo... Read Full Post >
Editor's Note: After this week, Deborah Meier and Diane Ravitch begin their annual summer break. Their blog will return in September. Dear Diane, I’m still amazed at how fast the new educational establishment plans to “revolutionize” our schools. I acknowledge that your support for national ... Read Full Post >
Editor's Note: After this week, Diane Ravitch and Deborah Meier begin their annual summer break. Their blog will return in September. Dear Deborah, We have had fun these past couple of years exploring our differences and our agreements. It is clear that the point where we diverge most strongly is ... Read Full Post >
Dear Deborah, I am glad to see that our discussion of Reading First is getting a lot of reaction, and quite a number of interesting and well-informed responses. I don't like mandates any more than you do, but I also think it is important to learn from experience and even, when it is cumulative, to... Read Full Post >
Dear Diane, You're right, Reading First is not mandatory. I just visited a school in Oakland that turned down being part of a Reading First initiative because they thought it wrong-headed. I wish others were as professionally responsible. But the published correspondence between the leaders of Re... Read Full Post >
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