By the numbers: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT IS INFECTED BY THE BROAD VIRUS

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: By the numbers: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT IS INFECTED BY THE BROAD VIRUS

By the numbers: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT IS INFECTED BY THE BROAD VIRUS

BY SUE PETERS, A PARENT IN SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AN INFECTED DISTRICT. SHE IS THE FOUNDER OF THE SEATTLEEDUCATION2011 BLOG AND ALSO PARENTS ACROSS AMERICA, THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL BATTLING THE BROAD EPIDEMIC. | HTTP://BIT.LY/LXOI8H

1. Schools in your district are suddenly closed.

2. Even top-performing schools, alternative schools, schools for the gifted, are inexplicably and suddenly targeted for closure or mergers.

3. Repetition of the phrases “the achievement gap” and “closing the achievement gap” in district documents and public statements.

4. Repeated use of the terms “excellence” and “best practices” and “data-driven decisions.” (Coupled with a noted absence of any of the above.)

5. The production of “data” that is false or cherry-picked, and then used to justify reforms.

6. Power is centralized.

7. Decision-making is top down.

8. Local autonomy of schools is taken away.

9. Principals are treated like pawns by the superintendent, relocated, rewarded and punished at will.

10. Culture of fear of reprisal develops in which teachers, principals, staff, even parents feel afraid to speak up against the policies of the district or the superintendent.

11. Ballooning of the central office at the same time superintendent makes painful cuts