Counter revolution emerges on education reform
THE NETWORK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION (CLICK PICTURE)
WE ARE MANY. THERE IS POWER IN OUR NUMBERS. TOGETHER, WE WILL SAVE OUR SCHOOLS. THE NETWORK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
Ravitch organizing counter-revolution on education reform?
Two decades into the school “reform” drive that has painted itself as having everyone on board, a strong, nationwide counter-movement has emerged.
Diane Ravitch, the grande dame of American education and a research professor of education at New York University, has announced formation of The Network For Public Education.
It’s purpose is pointed: “The Network for Public Education is an advocacy group whose goal is to fight to protect, preserve and strengthen our public school system, as essential institution in a democratic society.”
Ravitch has cred among educators, many civic and political leaders, and even – at least until recently – Republicans. She served as assistant secretary of education for President George H.W. Bush, leading the effort for state and national education standards.
Ravitch broke with the reform movement several years ago, saying it had gone astray.
Ravitch, who is president of the new network, makes no bones about her new organization’s political intentions. The group’s web page states that it will “endorse and rate candidates for office based on our principles and goals. More specifically, we will support candidates who oppose high stakes testing, mass school closures, the privatization of our public schools and the outsourcing of its core functions to for-profit corporations.”
Ravitch and her group hope to accomplish this by linking the rising number of grassroots organizations across th