Anthony Cody Explains Why New York Parents Booed Commissioner John King
Few people have been more enthusiastic about the Common Core as StateCommissioner John King. King brooks no dissent. When he held the first of his meetings with PTAs in upstate New York, he lectured for over an hour, then encountered a hostile reception from parents. Why? Read Anthony Cody’s account and watch the videos. John King has canceled all other scheduled PTA meetings. The public not b
Jonathan Lovell Channels John Keats While Reading “Reign of Error”
Jonathan Lovell teaches writing at San Jose State in California. A few weeks ago, he sent me a couplet from Alexander Pope to steel me when angry critics lash out. These were the lines: “Yes, I am proud; I must be proud to see Men, not afraid of God, afraid of me.” I met Jonathan in Berkeley last week and signed his book. He wrote a few days later that he had been reading the book aloud to his wi
Larry Lee Reviews “Reign of Error”
Larry Lee is a native Alabamian who has been writing about education in his home state for many years. He has been writing about rural schools, in particular, which are often forgotten and greatly in need. This is his review of “Reign of Error.” It appeared in the Anniston Star. His study, “Lessons Learned from Rural Schools,” is a powerful testament to the children, families, communities, and edu
COW Charter May Close Due to Low Enrollment
The charter chain called Citizens of the World opened in Brooklyn, hoping to attract a white affluent crowd. Despite intense community opposition, the school opened with room for 126 students. Only 65 showed up. The school may be forced to close due to its low enrollment. No waiting list. Only three children from the neighborhood enrolled.
Parents Boo NY Commissioner John King and Boo the Common Core Too
New York Commissioner John King thought it would be a good idea to hold a series of town halls with parent groups around the state. No doubt he expected to be showered with praise for his leadership in quickly implementing the Common Core. He was in for a big surprise. He was met with outrage by parents who do not like the Common Core, hate the testing, and despise the State Education Department
Ka-Ching! For-Profits Dominate Teacher Education
In its relentless quest to improve education in the United States, corporate reformers are turning teacher education into an online, for-profit business. Advocates say it is very successful because future teachers can beam into the classroom from their homes. Not much interaction with peers. Not much opportunity to practice teach in classes with living children, but who needs living children when
Lubic: The Cozy Nepotism in Los Angeles
Might Makes Right When Viewing LAUSD and California Nepotism…..or does it? By Ellen Lubic, Educator and angry taxpayer Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times printed two stories that affect public school education, and those who ‘dabble’ in it. One was by journalist Howard Blume on the Billion Dollar iPad scandal at LAUSD, and the other was written as an op-ed team by Eli Broad and Richard Riordan, two
Reader: Some Miss the Good Old Days of Academic and Racial Segregation
Yes, we do know the secret of getting high test scores! Exclude the kids who might get low scores. Kick out the kids who do get low scores. Only strivers need apply. Only strivers will be admitted. It is the formula for a miracle school! All children get high scores! All children (who weren’t kicked out) graduate and go to college! This s the golden dream of Race to the Top. Cull the best, f
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 10-12-13 -13 #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blogLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONGDIANE RAVITCH'S BLOGDid ACT Scores Go Up in Dallas Because of Data Manipulation?A reader sent the following comment. I can’t vouch for its authenticity but urge reporters in Dallas to do so: A newly exposed DISD controversy involves claims that college readiness improved in 2012/13 under Mike Miles. This claim is on page 218 of the “Data P
