Under the Eduflack Tree 2010
It is that time of the year again. Most of the year, Eduflack can be critical, cynical, and downright combustible about what is happening in the education community. We spend a great deal of time talking, but little time delivering. We get caught up on the 20 percent or so of improvements we don't agree on, thus neglecting the 80 percent that could make real change now. And we regularly fall into a cult of personality, rather than focusing on the substance of both character and ideas.
But Christmas is a special time of year, that time when we all get a blank slate and we all look forward to a new year with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. As for Eduflack, I don't believe in naughty lists (personally, I'm worried about what all of my general agitation would mean for such databases). And with two little kiddos at home who are the absolute loves of my life and motivations for getting up each morning, I'm all for being generous and giving gifts for both a great 2009 and the hopes of an even better 2010. So without further ado, let's check out what's under the ol' Eduflack tree this holiday season.
To NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, a return to the spotlight. In 2008, Chancellor Klein was the king of the ed reform kingdom. Scores were up in NYC. The city was coming off the Broad Prize, and Klein was on the short list for U.S. Secretary of Education. But a funny thing happened in 2009. The good chancellor seemed to take a public back seat, dealing with collective bargaining agreements, a city council that was trying to take away mayoral control, and other such operational issues. He even seemed to take a back seat with the Education Equality Project, letting Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich play center stage for much of 2009. But 2010 is Klein's year again. With states and districts desperate to demonstrate sustained student gains on assessments and a closing of the achievement gap, there is no better model than the revolution that has happened in NYC over the last decade. And the NYC experience is one that can serve as a research-based model for many urbans looking to secure i3 grants in the coming year. Klein has always been a force, but with all of the elements coming together, 2010 can very well be the year of Klein.
To Detroit's de facto public schools chief Robert Bobb, a wide berth. By now, most of us have written off Detroit Public Schools, believing there is no hope for America's most struggling urban district, whether it declares bankruptcy or not. But for those not paying attention, Bobb is really trying to do God's work up in the Motor City. With a new mayor and a renewed sense of purpose, Bobb and his team and rebuilding the DPS infrastructure while taking on instructional reforms designed to improving student learning and close the dreaded achievement gap. Bobb has thrown a lot against the wall in the past year. Here's hoping the city (and the nation) the time to see what sticks and build on what works. Improvement is possible in Detroit, with the right time and support.