A Datapoint Writes a Letter to Arne Duncan
Almost a year ago, I posted a letter from a sixth-grade studentin the DC public schools who wrote about herself as a data point. She identified herself as Noa Rosinplotz. The letter was so articulate that many readers were certain that it was not written by a child. In time, I received letters from well-known journalists, including her mother, attesting to the fact that Noa exists and that she rea
James Milgram on the Common Core Math Standards
James Milgram is a professor emeritus of mathematics at Stanford University. He served on the validation committee for the Common Core mathematics. He did not agree to approve the standards. He sent me the following letter. He has spoken out against the standards in various states. See here and here. Dear Diane, In your own writings you mention that the biggest issue with Core Standards is th
Bridgeport: What Last Night’s Upset Victory Means
We turn to our favorite Connecticut blogger, Jonathan Pelto, for an analysis of the upset win of the insurgent slate in Bridgeport. Suffice it to say that the primary was a big loss for the corporate reformers who control the state. Step by step, the tide is turning. As the public understands what is happening, they join our struggle to save public education.
California Vs. Duncan on Testing
California officials want to end state testing as they prepare to phase in Common Core testing. They don’t want students subject to double testing. Now the state is locked in a showdown with Arne Duncan, who has warned the state that he might cut off federal aid if it stops state testing. Yesterday the state senate ignored Duncan’s threat and passed a bill to move forward with the plan to end curr
Parents: How to Advocate for Your Child
Nancy Carlsson-Paige, professor emerita of early childhood education at Lesley University in Csmbridge, Massachusetts, prepared this short guide for parents about child-rearing. It was written in collaboration with United Opt Out.
Why Corporate Reform Will Lose and Disappear
I know that it is hard to feel hopeful when the corporate reformers have so much money and are in control at the top of both parties. But never lose hope. The fact is that corporate reform policies have failed wherever they are applied. Here is something from Fred Smith, a testing expert who now advises the anti-testing group Change-the-Stakes: In the words of Langston Hughes: Hold fast to dr
Insurgent Slate Wins in Bridgeport by Large Margin
The candidates endorsed by the Network for Public Education and the Connecticut Post won a stunning upset victory over the Democratic machine candidates in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This is another loss for the corporate reformers who tried to abolish the elected board and give control to the mayor. “The challenger slate won by a two to one margin over the party’s endorsed slate, easily winning in
The Message of Bill de Blasio’s Victory in New York City
Bill de Blasio won an amazing victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Not long ago, he was in fourth place but last night he ran decisively ahead of former Comptroller Bill Thompson (the UFT’s candidate) and Christine Quinn (who was tarnished by her close association with Mayor Bloomberg). In exit polls, voters said their leading concerns were jobs and education. Of the three lea
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 9-10-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: A Hero Educator Who Teaches in a Charter School in North CarolinaA regular reader informed me about an amazing charter school teacher in North Carolina. Chris Weaver was selected as “The Best Teacher” by Mountain XPress, a local newspaper, and he rejected the honor. Read here to learn why he rejected it. He is committed to the comm
