DC’s NCLB waiver bid stalled by Ed Dept. concerns
*The problems raised by the USDOE precedes Rhee's tenure. But she and her corporate reform agenda did nothing to fix them.* "It turns out that the U.S. Department of Education has quite a few issues with the District’s application for relief from No Child Left Behind. The problems start with two chronic concerns: The city’s poor record of handling and accounting for federal grants, and its difficulties staying in compliance with special education laws."
DC students ranked last in the nation in federal science exam
"Students in the District ranked last in the nation, as just 7 percent passed the federal test, with an average score of 112, well below the national average of 151 for public schools. ... "Without question, today's report is a sobering reality check," said D.C. State Superintendent of Education Hosanna Mahaley. "Science proficiency is critical for eighth-grade students' high school, college and career readiness, and these results reflect a deficit that we will work diligently to overcome." D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson said she was "deeply disheartened," while Scott Pearso... more »
New coalition of unions, community leaders to counter Rhee’s corporate reform coalition
"Made up of representatives from dozens of local organizations, the group will also take on the new StudentsFirstNY -- a powerful political group started this year by former Chancellor Joel Klein and controversial former D.C. school leader Michelle Rhee. That organization, formed in part to counter to influence of teachers unions in New York, has vowed to raise $50 million for its push to expand charter schools and remove ineffective teachers. The first step of the new coalition will be to ask one million New Yorkers to sign a pledge to oppose mayoral candidates who support Bloomber... more »
Rhee’s NJ frontman and hedge fund billionaire endorses Romney. See his personal income
*Recently, Rhee's NJ frontman and hedge fund billionaire, David Tepper, endorsed Mitt Romney. He also said that there was no limit to the amount of money he was giving Rhee for her war on teachers. Not a single penny goes into the classroom to help students. It's being spent to buy ads, pricey lobbyists and politicians. Students first? Not by a long stretch. * "Mr. Tepper lives in New Jersey where the governor has gone to war with the teachers, hoping to break the union and balance the budget on the backs of our students. But Governor Christie's enthusiasm for a balanced budget only ... more »
Philanthropy gets in the ring: Edu-funders get serious about education policy
"Odd as it may seem, I’m suggesting that foundations should make it conscious policy to welcome — even encourage — public criticism. I’m not talking about hired evaluations or strategic assessments conducted by friendly consultants but about rigorous debate over objectives, strategies, and outcomes. Given that even tart-tongued observers will be unusually reluctant to share their thoughts, foundations must make it extravagantly clear that they won’t blacklist critics and that they won’t look kindly upon anyone who does. ... As for explicit collaborations with the federal government,... more »
How Does Rhee Sleep at Night?
"She has become a convenient vessel for the most rightwing governors who want to dismantle public education and reduce the teaching profession to at-will employees. ... What exactly is her credibility for redesigning American education? She left behind a school district with the largest black-white achievement gap of any city tested by the federal National Assessment of Educational Progress. The average black-white achievement gap for big cities is about 30 points; in the District of Columbia, after Rhee’s tenure, it was over 60 points. Her IMPACT program is discredited by the day. ... more »
Rhee sets to destroy public schools backed by conservatives, evangelicals and business
"But critics say Rhee risks destroying the very public schools she aims to save by forging alliances with political conservatives, evangelical groups and business interests that favor turning a large chunk of public education over to the private sector. She won't disclose her donors, but public records indicate that they include billionaire financiers and wealthy foundations. ... an adviser to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg confirms that he provided financial backing for Rhee's recent push into Connecticut politics. The Laura and John Arnold Foundation, funded by John Arnold, a he... more »
DCPS cuts ‘unworkable programs” to pay for new plan called ‘What’s Possible’?
"On April 11, [Rhee's successor] Henderson announced “Proving What’s Possible,” a new $10 million grant program designed to spur innovative ways of boosting student achievement. Officials are especially interested in funding schools that want to extend the academic day, leverage technology to improve learning, or upgrade staff.... All praiseworthy objectives. But what caught my eye was the $10 million. In a budget season when local and federal funds are in decline, and school librarians are an endangered species, how was this being financed?" [From commenter tbird5]: "DCPS is also c... more »
Scientology tutoring service is hired in DCPS & paid by failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee
"Concerned parents contacted FOX 5 about one of the groups approved for tutoring by D.C.'s Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) - a group that has connections to the founder of the Church of Scientology. Applied Scholastics International is one of 29 tutoring services listed in the Title I Supplemental Educational Services Guide. Parents of students in failing D.C. public schools can choose which provider they would prefer for their children. The list makes no mention of the group's controversial ties. But Applied Scholastics' website does not try to hide its conne... more »