The Real Problem With Cathie Black
The Real Problem With Cathie Black
by Steve Nelson
Head of Calhoun School in Manhattan
The recent appointment of Catherine Black as Chancellor of New York City schools has ignited a firestorm of protest.
Black's appointment is just the latest expression of the surrender of America's educational system to corporate interests and mores. Educational policy is increasingly affected by the heavy purses of folks like Bill Gates and Eli Broad, both of whom use philanthropy as a sledgehammer to weaken unions, privatize schools and further advance the culture of data-driven pedagogy.
Broad, in a recent Huffington Post column, defended Black's appointment by citing the alleged successes of non-educators in superintendent roles. Most were prominent business managers, although Broad included two-star Air Force general, John Barry. Among those cited was Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who presided
by Steve Nelson
Head of Calhoun School in Manhattan
The recent appointment of Catherine Black as Chancellor of New York City schools has ignited a firestorm of protest.
Black's appointment is just the latest expression of the surrender of America's educational system to corporate interests and mores. Educational policy is increasingly affected by the heavy purses of folks like Bill Gates and Eli Broad, both of whom use philanthropy as a sledgehammer to weaken unions, privatize schools and further advance the culture of data-driven pedagogy.
Broad, in a recent Huffington Post column, defended Black's appointment by citing the alleged successes of non-educators in superintendent roles. Most were prominent business managers, although Broad included two-star Air Force general, John Barry. Among those cited was Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who presided
