How Wisconsin’s Government Is Cheating the State’s Children and Public Schools
The Forward Institute of Wisconsin released a new study of education policy in the state.
This is a statement made by the Institute’s Chair, Scott Wittkopf:
This is a statement made by the Institute’s Chair, Scott Wittkopf:
Wisconsin has always been a leader in K-12 public education because we have long valued the right of every child to receive a quality public education. The fundamental nature of our values is reflected in the State Constitution, which guarantees all children equal access to educational opportunity in our public schools. That constitutional right is now being systematically eroded and defunded. The research presented in this report shows that current fiscal policy and education funding are depriving our poorest students access to a sound
How Grassroots Groups in Texas Are Beating the Testing Lobby
In my list of categories on this blog, the words “Texas” and “testing” are side-by-side. One of the biggest stories in the nation today is how ordinary folks–moms, dads, and students–in Texas are slaying the monster that ate their education.
Over the past 20-30 years, Texas became drunk on testing. The lobbyists for Pearson–headed by Sandy Kress, the architect of NCLB–made sure that Pearson won a five-year contract for nearly $500 million in 2011 at the same time that the legislature striped away $5.4 Billion from the public schools.
Over the past 20-30 years, Texas became drunk on testing. The lobbyists for Pearson–headed by Sandy Kress, the architect of NCLB–made sure that Pearson won a five-year contract for nearly $500 million in 2011 at the same time that the legislature striped away $5.4 Billion from the public schools.
How Cyber Charters Waste Taxpayer Dollars
Cyber charters are profligate in wasting taxpayer dollars. A recent article on the Huffington Post reported that they spent nearly $100 million on advertising over a five year period. The biggest cyber charter, K12, spent more than $20 million in the first eight months of 2012.
In Ohio, home of rapacious and inefectivecyber charters, it costs the cyber operator $3,600 per student. But the
In Ohio, home of rapacious and inefectivecyber charters, it costs the cyber operator $3,600 per student. But the
Will Public Education in Texas Survive the Next Two Weeks?
On May 27, the legislature ends its session. Supporters of public education are keeping fingers crossed that no damaging measures pass in the next two weeks.
The head of the Senate Committee on Education, Dan Patrick, loves vouchers and most anything except public schools. The head of the House Committee on Public Education, Jimmie Don Aycock, is a Republican who
The head of the Senate Committee on Education, Dan Patrick, loves vouchers and most anything except public schools. The head of the House Committee on Public Education, Jimmie Don Aycock, is a Republican who
Does Cincinnati Have the Right Formula?
People often wonder if there is any district or state that is working to support children and to strengthen public education. In the age of No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top, it is difficult to find districts that manage to keep their focus on students instead of carrots and sticks.
But there are success stories.
One is Cincinnati. When I visited there a couple of years ago, I met with the community leaders working together
But there are success stories.
One is Cincinnati. When I visited there a couple of years ago, I met with the community leaders working together
How Useful Are the US News HS Rankings?
Matt Di Carlo takes a close look at the US News high school rankings and finds that they don’t tell you much about school quality. The information is self-reported. Only about half the high schools responded. The measures favor schools in affluent districts or schools with selective admissions.
This echoes what I heard from a reporter in Arizona. Two charter high schools are at the top end of the US News ratings. One has a tough selection process, accepting only accomplished students. The other requires that
This echoes what I heard from a reporter in Arizona. Two charter high schools are at the top end of the US News ratings. One has a tough selection process, accepting only accomplished students. The other requires that
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-14-13 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] An Appeal to UTLA: Please Help Monica Ratliff by dianerav Dear UTLA Members: I am writing to urge you to throw your full support behind the candidacy of Monica Ratliff for the Los Angeles school board race. Monica deserves and needs your help. I know you endorsed both her and her opponent. I am calling on you to help your colleague. Her opponent has collected over $2 million from the the same wealthy elites, the billionaires and millionaires who The Obama-Dunc... more »