Florida: Once Again, Test Results Are Over-hyped
Matthew Di Carlo takes a close look at the latest test scores released in Florida.
His bottom line: don’t believe the press release.
For one thing, the test specifications have changed, and the scores are not really comparable to prior years.
Di Carlo points out:
“Accordingly, the technical documentation for the FCAT notes (in bold-faced type) that “caution should be used
His bottom line: don’t believe the press release.
For one thing, the test specifications have changed, and the scores are not really comparable to prior years.
Di Carlo points out:
“Accordingly, the technical documentation for the FCAT notes (in bold-faced type) that “caution should be used
North Carolina Passes Voucher Bill
On a vote of 27-21, the North Carolina House Education Committee passed a voucher bill (called, euphemistically, “opportunity scholarships”).
As the article linked above notes, private school vouchers will siphon a minimum of $100 million from the public schools over the next three years.
In her summary, Lindsay Wagner of NC Policy Watch reports that one supporter of the bill likened school choice
As the article linked above notes, private school vouchers will siphon a minimum of $100 million from the public schools over the next three years.
In her summary, Lindsay Wagner of NC Policy Watch reports that one supporter of the bill likened school choice
Was I Unfair to Ben Austin?
You may recall the story about Irma Cobian, the elementary school principal who was forced out after Parent Revolution collected signatures from parents, employing the “parent trigger” law that it (Parent Revolution) had sponsored in 2010.
The headline in the LA Times read: ”Popular Principal’s Dismissal Leaves a South L.A. School Divided.”
The story began thus:
“Third-grade teacher Kate Lewis said Irma Cobian is the best principal she’s had in nine years at Weigand Avenue Elementary School in Watts.
The headline in the LA Times read: ”Popular Principal’s Dismissal Leaves a South L.A. School Divided.”
The story began thus:
“Third-grade teacher Kate Lewis said Irma Cobian is the best principal she’s had in nine years at Weigand Avenue Elementary School in Watts.
“Joseph Shamel called Cobian a “godsend” who has used her mastery of special education to show him how to craft effective learning plans for his students.
“Los Angeles Unified Supt. John Deasy praised a plan developed by Cobian and her team to turn around the struggling campus — where most students test below grade level in reading and math — calling it a “well-
“Los Angeles Unified Supt. John Deasy praised a plan developed by Cobian and her team to turn around the struggling campus — where most students test below grade level in reading and math — calling it a “well-
Rhode Island: Teachers Oppose Gist, Business Leaders Support Her
This is the kind of result you expect to read in a red state.
85% of teachers voted to show their opposition o Commissioner ageist.
The business community supports her.
The students oppose her.
Civil rights groups
85% of teachers voted to show their opposition o Commissioner ageist.
The business community supports her.
The students oppose her.
Civil rights groups
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-28-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Teaching in a World of Noise, Disruption, and Distraction by dianerav High school teacher Frank Breslin explains how the constant distractions of our society undermine students’ ability to concentrate or even pay attention to what happens in school. Breslin reminds me of Diana Senechal’s wonderful book “The Republic of Noise.” If you haven’t read it, you should. Breslin writes: “A factor over which teachers have no control and that plays an enormous role in makin... more »