Do federal education dollars work?
President Obama is not happy about Texas refusing his Race to the Top money, but I say let's give a languid, scholarly cheer for Gov. Rick Perry (R) and his decision to miss the chance at hundreds of millions of dollars in federal education aid. Texas has, in effect, designated itself a big control group in an interesting test of this haunting question---does increased federal spending make schools better?
The president didn't mention this in his speech at a Fairfax County elementary school today, although his announced plan to add another $1.35 billion to his fund for states and school districts making changes he approves of will just give this scientific exercise another boost. Some districts and states will get the money. Some won't. Which will look better in four or five years?
The president didn't mention this in his speech at a Fairfax County elementary school today, although his announced plan to add another $1.35 billion to his fund for states and school districts making changes he approves of will just give this scientific exercise another boost. Some districts and states will get the money. Some won't. Which will look better in four or five years?
Does this sound fair?
The National Board of Medical Examiners denied a request by medical student Frederick Romberg to have extra time to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Romberg, who has dyslexia, is appealing the decision.
Here is what Romberg told the board, and what the board told him. How would you decide the case?
Romberg, now a 41-year-old student at Yale University’s School of Medicine, had a troubled childhood. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and he was raised, along with his mentally and physically disabled brother, by his alcoholic mother. She died when he was 16. He attended inner city schools where he was sometimes assaulted.
No childhood records were kept on him, but as early as he can remember, Romberg had great difficulty with reading.
