Latest News and Comment from Education

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Diane in the Evening 7-10-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:






Vallas Will Fight Judge’s Order to Go
In response to a judge’s ruling that he lacks the proper credentials to be a superintendent in Connecticut, Paul Vallas will fight for the job. The attorney for the city will lodge an immediate appeal. The governor says it is a local issue, but says that if he ran Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, he must be qualified even if he doesn’t meet the demands of the law.

About the Military Coup in Egypt
Lots of interesting things going on about education but I have to say something about what is happening in Egypt. I am a historian by trade, and I care passionately about democracy and the democratic process. I don’t think a modern society can evolve when democracy is stifled. The people are not always right but they should always have the right to participate in choosing their leaders. That is wh

Achievement First Responds to Criticism About Boot Camp for Kiddies
This comment was posted today:   Our approach to discipline is just one facet of the structure offered by Achievement First’s 25 non-profit, college-preparatory public charter schools. This structure provides students with a consistent, safe and productive environment in which they can reach their full academic potential. Our system of consequences, which include demerits, acts as a deterrent to m
Astonishing: Judge in CT. Rules Vallas Must Vacate Post Now
Jonathan Pelto reports that the judge who recently ruled that Paul Vallas was not qualified to serve as superintendent of schools in Bridgeport because he did not meet the requirements of state law decided today that he must vacate his position immediately.
NY Times: The Destruction of North Carolina’s Progressive Legacy
The New York Times wrote a searing critique of the slash-and-burn policies of North Carolina’s governor and legislature. What was once one of the south’s most forward-looking states is rapidly being decimated into a hard, mean backwater. As we have learned over recent months, the legislature has imposed deep budget cuts on public schools, is taking away salary raises from teachers who get advanced


Sorry, You Missed Today’s Symposium about Cashing in on the Charter Sector
If only I had known sooner, I would have posted the announcement of today’s symposium. Yes! There is money to be made by investing in charter schools! It’s all about the children! It’s the civil rights issue of our time! And a great investment too!! “Bonds and Blackboards: Investing in Charter Schools (New York, NY) Symposium – July 10, 2013; 9:30 – 6:30 PM WHAT: A one-day symposium to help Wall
What Einstein Said About Standardization
Robert Shepherd was pleased that Susan Ohanian joined the honor roll of the blog. He wrote this: “Susan Ohanian’s website is a garden of many, many delights. I love this bit she posted from Albert Einstein, who was a pretty bright guy (and who had some truly wonderful ideas about education): “I believe in standardizing automobiles. I do not believe in standardizing human beings. Standardization is


LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-10-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Wendy Davis, a True American HeroThe world knows Wendy Davis as the state senator in Texas who filibustered for 11 hours straight against an bill that would restrict abortion. Unlike Jimmy Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” she was not allowed to take a drink of water or go off-topic or even lean on the speaker’s desk. What