Notice how cut scores are a choice, not a measure of proficiency. #DCPS
I’m sure you’ve heard of this. DCPS, the system in which I teach, “chose” math cut scores to perhaps load more positive results, thus trying to make the argument that prevailing reforms, largely propagated by huckster Michelle Rhee, “worked.” Note that CUT SCORES are political choices, nothing scientific or verifiable. They are subjective. This is […]
Score Reports: Send ‘em Back
In a state-wide effort to protest the lack of validity, loss of instruction time, and educational harm caused by mandated state assessments, New York State Allies for Public Education has called for parents to “send the scores back”. Parents around New York will be sending back to their children’s score reports to NYSED Commissioner John […]
This is the speech I intended to give at the Southern Education Foundation Public Education conference this weekend. . . .
Reblogged from Crazy Crawfish’s Blog 9/23/13 This is the speech I intended to give at the Southern Education Foundation Public Education conference this weekend. . . ..
“evil” @DianeRavitch said do what’s right and save your soul.
Last night Shaun and I had the chance to talk to one of our favorite guests—Diane Ravitch. We talked about her new book—Reign of Error—and the possibilities of ending the reform movement. Diane gave me a brand new kick in the arse! Simple yet powerful. How do we fight the reform movement? We do […]
Is Addressing Different Learning Styles an Unreasonable Demand on Teachers?
Multiple Intelligences or Multiple Pains in the Ass? Periodically, I bump into online commentary that is harshly critical of expecting teachers to address student learning styles. Unfortunately, simply dismissing something as essentially “a bunch of hippie crap” is not the same as offering an argument or analysis that would persuade anyone that the writer […]
“Word Magic,” Education, and Market Forces | the becoming radical
“Word Magic,” Education, and Market Forces | the becoming radical.
The Indignant Teacher Goes Abroad
Susan DuFresne and Katie Lapham are the women behind the website, Teachers’ Letters to Bill Gates; they are experienced public school teachers and amazing authors. Susan recently invited Him to take part in an interview with her, to discuss his role in public education and some of the issues on the table. “After all, public education is […]
9-22-13 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: EPSLP: College Ready? Alliance Charter Corporation’s big scamFirst published on Echo Park Patch on September 20, 2013 “If the American public understood that reformers want to privatize their public schools and divert their taxes to pay profits to investors, it would be hard to sell the corporate idea of reform.” — Professor Diane Ravitch “However, within this market, competition