Cracks in New Orleans Coverage
My informants in New Orleans forwarded a story that appeared in the local Times-Picayune. The story begins as the usual paean of praise about the miracle of New Orleans, but at mid-point, it takes a surprising turn.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/sen_mary_landrieu_touts_new_or.html
It quotes an article I wrote in the New York Review of Books that questioned both the miracle and Teach for America. Then it cites at length the research of Charles Hatfield, who methodically reviewed the performance of the charters in the Reovery School district and found it decidedly non-miraculous.
Ordinarily, it would not be news to find a balanced news story on a controversial issue. But from what I have heard, the charter media machine has worked hard to establish the miracle narrative, especially in the New Orleans press. This story, I’m told, is a breakthrough. Questions are raised. Critics of the official line are allowed to speak and be heard.
Read it. Good reporting.Maybe the corporate reform facade is beginning to get the scrutiny it deserves.
Diane
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/05/sen_mary_landrieu_touts_new_or.html
It quotes an article I wrote in the New York Review of Books that questioned both the miracle and Teach for America. Then it cites at length the research of Charles Hatfield, who methodically reviewed the performance of the charters in the Reovery School district and found it decidedly non-miraculous.
Ordinarily, it would not be news to find a balanced news story on a controversial issue. But from what I have heard, the charter media machine has worked hard to establish the miracle narrative, especially in the New Orleans press. This story, I’m told, is a breakthrough. Questions are raised. Critics of the official line are allowed to speak and be heard.
Read it. Good reporting.Maybe the corporate reform facade is beginning to get the scrutiny it deserves.
Diane
