Rocketship to Nowhere
I posted a couple of times about John Merrow’s PBS profile of the Rocketship charter chain, but I think there is more to be said on the subject.
The chain now has seven charters in San Jose, California, and it will soon expand into many more urban “markets.” When it enters a new territory, it expects a commitment for at least five charters. It aims to enroll one million children eventually. It is presently planning new schools in Nashville, San Antonio, Milwaukee, and other cities.
Merrow’s show was well done and nicely framed. He begins with old documentary footage of Henry Ford’s
The chain now has seven charters in San Jose, California, and it will soon expand into many more urban “markets.” When it enters a new territory, it expects a commitment for at least five charters. It aims to enroll one million children eventually. It is presently planning new schools in Nashville, San Antonio, Milwaukee, and other cities.
Merrow’s show was well done and nicely framed. He begins with old documentary footage of Henry Ford’s
FOUND: One Brave Superintendent in Connecticut!
Earlier today, I posted Wendy Lecker’s article, in which she said she was in search of one brave superintendent in Connecticut, who would stand up against the data-driven, test-obsessed climate of the times.
I have found him.
He is Thomas Starice, the superintendent of the Madison, Connecticut, public schools. Superintendent Scarice consulted with his school board, parents and the local community. He has shown leadership in responding to the state’s recently passed legislation about linking teacher evaluations to test scores.
I am happy to add Thomas Scarice to the honor roll as a champion of public education.
Like Superintendents Heath Morrison in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, and Joshua Starr in
I have found him.
He is Thomas Starice, the superintendent of the Madison, Connecticut, public schools. Superintendent Scarice consulted with his school board, parents and the local community. He has shown leadership in responding to the state’s recently passed legislation about linking teacher evaluations to test scores.
I am happy to add Thomas Scarice to the honor roll as a champion of public education.
Like Superintendents Heath Morrison in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, and Joshua Starr in
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-3-12 Diane Ravitch's blog
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] The War on Local School Boards, Bridgeport Edition by dianerav Josh Eidelson explains in Salon.com what happened in Bridgeport, Connecticut, when the corporate reformers promoted a referendum to abolish the elected school boards and give the public schools to the mayor. Despite the active support of Michelle Rhee and a heavy infusion of money, the voters of Bridgeport decided they preferred to keep their right to choose those who control their schools. Gary Rubinstein Talks to the Reform Leaders by dianer... more »