Advocates and foundations set to rate education journalism | GothamSchools

Advocates and foundations set to rate education journalism | GothamSchools

Advocates and foundations set to rate education journalism

by Maura Walz

As journalists, we try to scrutinize education advocacy funding. But soon, the foundations and advocates may be turning the microscope back on us.
The Center for Education Reform — a Washington, D.C.-based group that pushes for the expansion of charter schools — is preparing to launch a new project it’s calling “The Media Bullpen.” The site will be designed to “monitor the daily flow of education news and respond to it in real time,” according to a preview of how the site might work posted on its website.
A six-point baseball-themed ratings system will determine whether stories are accurate, with facts “portrayed in the correct light” (”Home Run”), or ”completely wrong,” drawing “invalid” conclusions (”Strikeout!”).
It’s not clear how the center’s advocacy positions and those of the funders of the project — several powerful