A Music Teacher Remembers Her Kids
A reader writes: “I retired from teaching music K-5 two years ago. Still cannot read the children’s goodbye letters and artwork. When the children heard (from a snarky colleague) that I as leaving they cried and protested for 2 weeks. I remember a 3rd grade boy in his music class who spontaneously dropped to his knees and said, “You can’t leave! You are our only hope!” The person hired after me p
How to Get an Autographed Copy of “Reign of Error”
If you would like to get an autographed copy of “Reign of Error,” you can order it through the Network for Public Education. If you want it to be personalized, with a greeting to you, you can order that too. All proceeds benefit the Network for Public Education. I am contributing the books, so will make no profit fom this offer. The goal is to support NPE. See the offer here: Make a contribution
Secret Emails: Indiana Takeover Planned Behind Closed Doors
Tom Lobianco, the investigative journalist of the Associated Press who uncovered the Tony Bennett grade-fixing scandal, has opened up another treasure trove of emails in Indiana. What he learned was that the plan to introduce rightwing reforms was hatched in secret by GOP power brokers and did not include legislators or open hearings. He writes: “…emails and other documents obtained by The Asso
John Wilson: Who Is America’s Most Deceptive Governor?
John Wilson, formerly executive director of the NEA, now writes in “Education Week,” where he posed the question above. Which governor ran as a moderate, then revealed himself as an anti-government, anti-teacher, anti-public school extremist as soon as he was elected? Perhaps you think of Scott Walker in Wisconsin, Paul Page in Maine, John Kasich in Ohio? Or your own governor? No, says Wilson, t
Are You a Hero Superintendent?
Over the past several months, I have honored several superintendents who have stood up for their students, their staff, and their community schools. I have identified hero superintendents in Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, Illinois, and elsewhere. We need to find them and thank them. These are men and women who have upheld their ethical responsibility to their profession and to children. They have
Miami Herald: Cashing in on Charter Schools
Sit back in your favorite chair and set aside 15-20 minutes to read a stunning story about how the charter school idea has been captured by ambitious wheeler-dealers who are making millions off the taxpayers. This series in the Miami Herald is an outstanding example of investigative journalism. The articles were written two years ago by Kathleen McGrory and Scott Hiassen but they remain timely. Th
Diane in the Evening 8-31-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Randall Hendee: Why I Disagree with E.D. Hirsch, Jr., about Common CoreRandall Hendee is a English teacher in Illinois. He wrote the following comments about E.D. Hirsch’s views about the Common Core. Hirsch is the founder of the Core Knowledge curriculum and author of several books on the importance of establishing a sequential, s
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 8-31-13 #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blogLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONGDIANE RAVITCH'S BLOGTODAYAn Educator Awakens to the Grim Realities of LifeThis teacher left a powerful comment about how he became educated about real life by teaching. The myths he had learned in his youth fell away when confronted by the children whose lives are burdened by poverty. Please tweet this comment. It should go viral. Add your v
