It seems clearer than ever to me that we need to re-explore issues of choice, so that they are not used to undermine the political communities that are at the base of our political democracy or to glorify the segregation of schools by race. Read Full Post >
There is no perfect curriculum, but I base my preferences on precisely the principles underlying democracy. It's our teacherly obligation to consider what students will "need" to join fully into the life of a democratic community. Read Full Post >
Do you think that President Obama just doesn't understand that Race to the Top has encouraged states to double down on high-stakes testing? Maybe he doesn't realize that the strategies of his administration rely totally on test scores. Read Full Post >
But I was inspired above all, because California has courageous, wise, and bold leadership that is prepared to stop the insanity that has undermined education across the nation. Read Full Post >
Yes, there have been and will continue to be "turnarounds" that work. But if we see the turnaround as a method of getting "rid" of people—teachers or kids—we'll misuse its potential. Read Full Post >
We might or might not have higher test scores, but at what cost? Under these circumstances, who will want to teach? Read Full Post >
Did the NEA sign on to TFA's agenda of minimal fast-track training, or did TFA sign on to NEA's demand for a full year of residency and a rigorous examination before teachers gain their license? Read Full Post >
Ladd suggests that what is needed are positive policy interventions, such as early-childhood and pre-school programs; school-based health clinics and social services; after school programs and summer programs; and paying more attention to inputs such as school quality and school processes. Read Full Post >
There are no silver bullets in education. There are no magic feathers that enable elephants like Dumbo to fly. It's hard work to improve schools. It takes dedication, resources, and time. And the work is never done, the magic number of 100 percent is always out of reach. Read Full Post >
In a world in which the money some folks earn in a day is more than what others hope to earn in a year, a decade, a lifetime, it's hard to calculate likelihoods. Even the word "earn" is problematic. Read Full Post >
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