Paul Vallas’ “Nixon-to-China” Moment
I posted a few days ago about a panel discussion in New York City where Paul Vallas made this startling statement: “We’re losing the communications game because we don’t have a good message to communicate.”
He spoke bluntly of the “testing industrial complex.”
Here Valerie Strauss briefly reviews Vallas’ role in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, where testing and privatization were key elements of his reforms. It is difficult to see any of those districts today as a template for reform of the nation’s schools. Chicago is in dire straits, As is Philadelphia, and the only thing sustaining the myth of New Orleans is a massive disinformation campaign by the funders of privatization.
I know Paul Vallas and there was a time about a decade ago when I thought he was the most promising leader
He spoke bluntly of the “testing industrial complex.”
Here Valerie Strauss briefly reviews Vallas’ role in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, where testing and privatization were key elements of his reforms. It is difficult to see any of those districts today as a template for reform of the nation’s schools. Chicago is in dire straits, As is Philadelphia, and the only thing sustaining the myth of New Orleans is a massive disinformation campaign by the funders of privatization.
I know Paul Vallas and there was a time about a decade ago when I thought he was the most promising leader
A Gift for You: A Beautiful Poem
When Jacqueline Kennedy died, a dear friend read this poem by Constantine Cavafy at her memorial service. It is one of those wonderful pieces of literature that has remained with me. I hope you enjoy it:
Ithaca
When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
Please Help the Providence Student Union
I am re-posting this appeal to help a great group of high school youth.
For their valiant, smart, witty efforts to save their schools and future generations from the blight of high-stakes testing, I name them to the honor roll as champions of public education. May they grow and flourish!
I am a huge fan of the Providence Student Union.
I just donated to them to help them continue their movement and to encourage students in other cities and
For their valiant, smart, witty efforts to save their schools and future generations from the blight of high-stakes testing, I name them to the honor roll as champions of public education. May they grow and flourish!
I am a huge fan of the Providence Student Union.
I just donated to them to help them continue their movement and to encourage students in other cities and
A Message from Monica Ratliff
Here we go again. Another local school board race where the a billionaire a boys Club and Michelle Rhee create a massive war chest to beat an underfunded candidate. Monica Ratliff is a fifth-grade teacher. Please help her.
Monica Ratliff for Board of Education 2013
–
Dear Friends, Family and Supporters,
Thank you all for your amazing support of my desire and belief that we can make a difference. Your donations have all been instrumental in our movement to send a message to billionaires from LA to NYC and all the way to Australia. Yes, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rupert Murdoch along will Walmart king pins have all donated to an independent expenditure campaign supporting our opponent to try and buy a seat on the Los Angeles School Board. Why? Why do they want to invest over 1.7 million dollars? When that much money is
Monica Ratliff for Board of Education 2013
–
Dear Friends, Family and Supporters,
Thank you all for your amazing support of my desire and belief that we can make a difference. Your donations have all been instrumental in our movement to send a message to billionaires from LA to NYC and all the way to Australia. Yes, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rupert Murdoch along will Walmart king pins have all donated to an independent expenditure campaign supporting our opponent to try and buy a seat on the Los Angeles School Board. Why? Why do they want to invest over 1.7 million dollars? When that much money is
A Teacher Weeps on Teacher Appreciation Day
Angie Sullivan, a kindergarten teacher in Las Vegas, sent the following message to members of the Nevada legislature to mark Teacher Appreciation Day:
It’s been a long, long time since my district has had positive educational leadership.
I watched this short video of Interim Superintendent Skorkowsky – and I wept. Something unusual – to NOT receive abuse and berating – but instead a positive uplifting message. I weep because my heart is breaking for my profession that is being destroyed – and not being replaced with anything of value to kids.
I don’t know when the “witch hunts” for the infamous “bad teacher” started but it’s now become harrassment for
It’s been a long, long time since my district has had positive educational leadership.
I watched this short video of Interim Superintendent Skorkowsky – and I wept. Something unusual – to NOT receive abuse and berating – but instead a positive uplifting message. I weep because my heart is breaking for my profession that is being destroyed – and not being replaced with anything of value to kids.
I don’t know when the “witch hunts” for the infamous “bad teacher” started but it’s now become harrassment for
Remembering the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911
From a reader:
Globalization has been the ingenious “get out of jail free” card the corporations have played:
As these “savvy businessmen” go global to freely impose the conditions which appalled America a century ago (The number of confirmed dead from the Bangladesh garment factory collapse and fire Is approaching and will certainly surpass 1000,)
I offer this:
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911
At the time of the fire the only safety measures available for the workers were 27 buckets of water and a fire
Globalization has been the ingenious “get out of jail free” card the corporations have played:
As these “savvy businessmen” go global to freely impose the conditions which appalled America a century ago (The number of confirmed dead from the Bangladesh garment factory collapse and fire Is approaching and will certainly surpass 1000,)
I offer this:
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911
At the time of the fire the only safety measures available for the workers were 27 buckets of water and a fire
Diane in the Evening 5-11-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: SAT Canceled for South Korea, Due to Cheating by dianerav The latest administration of the SAT has been canceled in South Korea, due to allegations of widespread cheating. The nation is known for its “hyper-competitive academic environment.” Test questions that were on the exam scheduled for May 4 were circulating in test prep centers. Staff members at some test prep centers were detained for questioning. Thousands of students were affected. The article says: “Though academic cheating is a world-wide concern... more »