Jersey Jazzman Jammin' All Week
Give @digby56 & @EduShyster Some Holiday Love
There are several bloggers I look to for inspiration. Diane Ravitch, of course, is the heart of the edu-bloggosphere. Bruce Baker forces us all to raise our games. Darcie remains a moral compass for me; Blue Jersey keeps me up to date on the state news. Bob Braun has the chops that only come from years of practicing journalism. And everybody I've got on the blogroll to the left is important: Leoni
The Reformy Addiction to Closing Schools, Newark Style
One of Barack Obama's signature education policies is to close "failing" schools. Mostly, I imagine, because actually fixing a "failing" school requires a lot of work and money - things the president, good "moderate" that he is, has never really fought to bring to public education since he's been in office. And so he hired Arne Duncan to be his SecEd, famous for closi
DEC 24
Merry X-Mas!
To all who celebrate, a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for the support, the readership, and the comments.Duke Ellington's version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, played by the US Army Blues - what more could you want for the holidays? Enjoy!
DEC 23
I Can't Escape From Ledger Logic!
Oh, Tom Moran and the Star-Ledger Editorial Board! I just can't quit you! [emphasis mine]Last year, the Freehold Regional High School District moved 17 special education students from an out-of-district workplace training program into a brand-new, in-house program.Keeping the students in Freehold saved the district boatloads of money — but it was also the best choice for their education, right? Pr
Are Charter School Wait Lists Really That Big?
Yesterday, I joined in with Bob Braun and shredded yet another ignorant and racially tone-deaf editorial from the Star-Ledger about Newark's schools. I'm really getting sick and tired of knocking down the S-L's ignorance; however, I want to address a point of policy I had skipped that the editorial makes:Charter schools will play a key role in these reforms. Already, Newark families are voting wit
DEC 22
"Shrieking" People of Color Demanding Autonomy, and Other Threats to America
When black people in Newark start getting a little too "uppity," it's time to fluff up the pillows on our local punditocracy's fainting coach. Quickly, someone catch the editorialists at the Star-Ledger - and bring the smelling salts!Cami Anderson, the superintendent of schools in Newark, has proposed another round of sensible and bold reforms. And she is facing the predictable shrieks o
DEC 21
Two Newarks
So the big plan to "save" Newark's schools, One Newark, was announced this week, and - surprise! - the big winners are the charter schools:As part of a comprehensive plan to overhaul the state’s largest school district, Newark Schools Superintendent Cami Anderson wants to increase access to charter schools by expanding them into district-owned buildings.The district also plans to convert