Bruce Baker on PISA and Poverty and Petrilli
Bruce Baker has this habit of introducing facts, evidence, and sharp analysis–as well as humor–to controversial issues. Here is take on PISA Day (drum roll, please). It begins like this: “With today’s release of PISA data it is once again time for wild punditry, mass condemnation of U.S. public schools and a renewed sense of urgency to ram through ill-conceived, destructive policies that will mak
North Carolina Appeals Court Says No to For-Profit Virtual K12 Corporation
A North Carolina Appeals Court turned down K12, the publicly traded corporation that operates virtual charters. It wanted to open a virtual charter in the state, but the State Board of Education did not act on its request, so it was denied. K12 sued, and for now, has lost. When the Legislature goes back into session, we will see whether the rejection sticks. K12 has a history of astute lobbying an
Arthur Camins on International Test Scores
Arthur Camins is director of the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. He left the following comment about the PISA results: The release of NAEP, TIMSS and PISA scores always produces debate. How do we compare with others (and on what)? Among us, who has improve and who has not? Are we improving and, if so, are we
PISA Showed We Need a Game-Changer, Not More of the Same Failed policies
A reader sent this tweet from Arne Duncan: Arne Duncan @arneduncan 17h The bad news from #OECDPISA: US is running in place while other countries lap us. Good news: We’re laying the right foundation to improve. This is very sad. If PISA shows anything, it is that the policies of the Bush-Obama administrations have not reached their one singular goal: higher test scores. NCLB was signed into law
A UK View of PISA Results
The Policy Consortium in the UK has a good overview of the British response to the PISA scores. Each political party is pointing fingers at the other for the scores not being as high as they would wish. The Conservatives say it is Labor’s fault. The Labor party says it is the fault of the Conservatives. But here are some good takeaways. “… it is important to attract the most talented teachers to
Helen Ladd: Our Schools Need Experienced Teachers
Helen F. Ladd is a distinguished professor of public policy and economics at Duke University. In this article, which appeared in the News-Observer in North Carolina, Ladd explains why the schools need experienced teachers, not just a steady supply of novices who serve for two or three years, then leave. She writes: In an effort to keep educational costs in check, America’s cash-strapped states, lo
Oops! I will be in Red Hook on December 11, not December 9
In a post this morning, I said I was doing a book talk at PS 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I gave the wrong date! It will be December 11, NOT December 9. I should have said: I will be holding a book talk at P.S. 15 at 71Sullivan Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn, on December 11 from 5-7. No lecture, just conversation. Read the book first. If you live in New York City or anywhere nearby, you are welcome
Parent to Commissioner Nicastro: Please Do Not Privatize Kansas City Public Schools
The following comment was posted on the blog: As a parent in the Kansas City Public Schools who has been fighting from the trenches the last 3 years, I’m thrilled to see Missouri on your blog. Dr Nicastro’s true stripes are starting to show. Below is the letter I sent on September 10th after realizing the selection of CEE-Trust (paid for by private foundation funds) to “study” KCPS’ and St Louis
Update: My Health and My Schedule
To Readers, Thank you for your good wishes. I am on the mend. As you may have noticed, I have not stopped blogging! I am on blood thinners and blood pressure medication. I had a pulmonary embolism in 1998, and I am lucky that this time the blood clots in my legs did not turn into a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. My spirits are good. I will be holding a book talk at P.S. 15 at 71Sul
“Education Malpractice” in New York City
Laurel Sturt was a fashion designer who decided to give up her career and become a Teaching Fellow. She was motivated by a desire to help children and make a difference, as most teachers are. In an interview in the Atlantic, she explains what happened to her. Her experience is not unique, but it is important that it appears in a mainstream publication. Laurel Sturt was a 46-year-old fashion design
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 12-3-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Pennsylvania: Stop Charter Expansion Now!Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation’s most unscrupulous charter operators, some of whom are under criminal investigation or on trial for fraud and misappropriation of public funds. But say this for some of the sleaziest: they give generously to political campaigns. That is why the Leg