This Week In Education: Reform: Ravitch Critique Lacks Humility, Political Savvy

This Week In Education: Reform: Ravitch Critique Lacks Humility, Political Savvy

Reform: Ravitch Critique Lacks Humility, Political Savvy

by Alexander Russo

For a long time I was focused on how Diane Ravitch -- whom I like and admire -- had switched sides without anyone noticing until her book came out. It just amazed me that her positions had evolved so dramatically but no one noticed until book time, and frankly made me sort of skeptical about her changed views. (Ditto for Ravitch's seeming lack of sufficient humility about having been so "wrong" for so long. Now all of a sudden she was right and everyone else was wrong.) These days, I'm mostly focused on the striking lack of political thinking Ravitch is showing. Maybe that was never her strong suit, but in article after article (see this Q and A with Valerie Strauss) she seems to think that some sort of light switch is going to to go off if she keeps saying the same thing over and over again. Who knows - she may be right. But it would be a lot more helpful -- and persuasive -- to me if

AM News: KIPP Works (Says KIPP-Sponsored Study)

by Alexander Russo

Report reveals GED recipients fare little better than dropouts Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A report by University of Chicago economists questions whether GED-based programs are the right way to make sure students complete high school. Looking at studies of GED recipients, the report concludes that people who receive GEDs fare little better economically than high school dropouts when factors such as their greater academic abilities are considered... Ed board in Mass. to set anti-bullying guidelines Boston Globe: School principals in Massachusetts would be required to report any incidents of bullying to the parents of those involved and -- if necessary -- to law enforcement under rules proposed by the state Board of Education... Education" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/education/22perk.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 68, 187); ">Prep Classes for College Are Latest in Perks NYT: Discounted or even free advice on applying to college was dangled by a cable company in a bid to attract subscribers and offered by the A.F.L.-C.I.O. to union members... 4 charged in Texas videotaped school beating AP: A teacher and three other educators at a Houston charter school were charged Monday in connection with the videotaped beating of a 13-year-old...