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Salman Rushdie Said: Don’t Be Afraid
The novelist Salman Rushdie lived under a death threat for many years after the Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini ordered his death in 1989. He was interviewed by the New York Times.
Something he said struck a chord:
Q. What advice do you have for someone who might find himself under a similar threat?
A. Two bits of advice, really. One has to do with the head and the other is practical. The thing in the head is: Don’t compromise. It’s a question of self-knowledge, knowing who you are And why you did what you did. Stand
Something he said struck a chord:
Q. What advice do you have for someone who might find himself under a similar threat?
A. Two bits of advice, really. One has to do with the head and the other is practical. The thing in the head is: Don’t compromise. It’s a question of self-knowledge, knowing who you are And why you did what you did. Stand
A Philadelphia Student Speaks Out
This student opposes the planned closure and privatization of 40 Philadelphia public schools. He realizes that the closures are concentrated in minority communities and have a harmful effect on the students and the communities. He notes that Governor Corbett wants to spend more on prisons and less on schools. This is ominous.
As I have said in the past, when students awaken, the reform game is over. There are all these billionaire-funded groups with names like “Children First,” “StudentsFirst,” “Stand for Children.” Put a “not” in front of them. Listen to students, not to millionaires and billionaires who claim to speak in their name.
Join this student tomorrow in the Journey to Justice in D.C. if you are in the area.
As I have said in the past, when students awaken, the reform game is over. There are all these billionaire-funded groups with names like “Children First,” “StudentsFirst,” “Stand for Children.” Put a “not” in front of them. Listen to students, not to millionaires and billionaires who claim to speak in their name.
Join this student tomorrow in the Journey to Justice in D.C. if you are in the area.
Karen Lewis Explains How CTU Won
Amy Goodman of Democracy Now interviews Karen Lewis and other CTU teachers about the strike. Lewis explains how the union patiently built alliances with parents and communities, fighting school closings and agreeing on the needs of children.
Karen Lewis reminds us that the great victory of the union was that teachers stood together in solidarity instead of compliantly accepting whatever was dealt out to them. The very fact that the union went out on strike reminded teachers that they are in the same boat and that together they are powerful.
The message that CTU sent the nation was that so-called “education reform” is a fraud. It does not have the
Karen Lewis reminds us that the great victory of the union was that teachers stood together in solidarity instead of compliantly accepting whatever was dealt out to them. The very fact that the union went out on strike reminded teachers that they are in the same boat and that together they are powerful.
The message that CTU sent the nation was that so-called “education reform” is a fraud. It does not have the
Did the Strike Hurt the Kids?
Corey Robin evaluates whether the strike hurt the kids, as the critics of CTU allege.
Does Rahm Emanuel Really Believe in Accountability?
Does Rahm Emanuel Really Believe in Accountability?
When you watch Amy Goodman’s interview with Karen Lewis, you will hear Mayor Rahm Emanuel speak eloquently about the importance of accountability. He wants principals to be accountable. He wants teachers to be accountable.
But does he really believe in accountability? As Lewis points out, the school board appointed by Emanuel is
But does he really believe in accountability? As Lewis points out, the school board appointed by Emanuel is
What the CTU-CPS Contract Includes
Fred Klonsky summarized what the union won in the contract negotiations.
This is the contract approved by 98% of the delegates. It will be submitted to the membership for final approval.
Frankly, the biggest threat that lies ahead for the teachers is that Rahm Emanuel will continue closing schools and opening non-union charters. Given that he controls the school board, and given that he has a low opinion of public education, watch for continued privatization in Chicago.
This is the contract approved by 98% of the delegates. It will be submitted to the membership for final approval.
Frankly, the biggest threat that lies ahead for the teachers is that Rahm Emanuel will continue closing schools and opening non-union charters. Given that he controls the school board, and given that he has a low opinion of public education, watch for continued privatization in Chicago.
Why the CTU Waited Two Days
Arthur Goldstein, teacher extraordinaire in Queens, New York City, read Rick Hess’s take on the Chicago strike and offered this comment:
It is good to see the “reformers” up in arms about this [strike] and spouting preposterous nonsense all over the
It is good to see the “reformers” up in arms about this [strike] and spouting preposterous nonsense all over the
How Do You Measure What Ruby Learned?
This teacher had a terrible class. She had one student in particular who was impossible and who didn’t want to learn. But then the teacher started telling a story about Ben Franklin, and Ruby was hooked.
What changed Ruby? What was the a-ha moment? Can the state measure what Ruby learned? Can they find a
What changed Ruby? What was the a-ha moment? Can the state measure what Ruby learned? Can they find a
A KIPP Teacher On What Is Missing
A reader notes that all schools–whether charter or public–are driven in the wrong direction by the current obsession with test scores. High stakes testing distorts education and contorts it for data purposes. He/she comments:
I teach at a KIPP high school and have been thoroughly disillusioned and am looking to get out as soon as possible. We are absolutely driven by test scores (though I wouldn\’t say that\’s unique to KIPP; I think most
I teach at a KIPP high school and have been thoroughly disillusioned and am looking to get out as soon as possible. We are absolutely driven by test scores (though I wouldn\’t say that\’s unique to KIPP; I think most
