Latest News and Comment from Education

Friday, September 7, 2012

UPDATE: LISTEN TO DIANE IN THE AFTERNOON 9-7-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

Diane Ravitch's blog:





Governor Deval Patrick Touted Wrong School

Andrea Gabor got an email from the principal of Brockton High School.
She and the teachers succeeded in turning around their school without firing 80% of staff.
They did it the old-fashioned way, through team work.
But Arne likes mass firings.



Crew Member of “Won’t Back Down” Speaks

Did the stars and crew of the anti-union film “Won’t Back Down” know that they were carrying a message on behalf of rightwing extremists?
This writer says no:


Syracuse Elementary Schools Drop Recess

In hopes of raising test scores, elementary schools in Syracuse are eliminating recess.
This discounts mountains of research about the importance of non-cognitive skills, which are often learned on the playground,
And too there is the pesky fact that children need tine to run and play.
A sound mind in a healthy body.
But not in Syracuse.


Democrats Abroad Wrote Great Platform!

The Democrats Abroad platform unequivocally supports the strengthening of public education and the education profession. It opposes privatization of public education. It opposes charter schools and vouchers. It supports the use of tests for diagnostic purposes and opposes the use of tests to evaluate 


Why Teach-to-the-Test Wins

Arne Duncan reminded us In his speech at the Democratic National Convention that President Obama opposes teaching to tests. Duncan didn’t say whether he agrees. It’s hard to take this sentiment seriously now that so many states are evaluating teachers by student test scores, at Duncan’s urging.
When this practice is one day acknowledged to be bogus, we will remember who imposed it.
Meanwhile Governor Dannel Malloy, who has specifically endorsed teaching to the tests, was made chairman of


Did Anyone Copy Democrats Abroad Post?

I accidentally deleted yesterday’s post about platform of Democrats Abroad.
If you have a copy, would you  send it to me so I may restore it?