teacherken at Daily Kos This Week
The Failure of Test-Based Accountability
is the title of this blog at Education Week by Marc Tucker. Diane Ravitch calls it the best thing she has ever read by Tucker, who is the president and CEO of the National Center on Education and the Economy and an internationally recognized expert on education reform and a leader in benchmarking the policies and practices of the countries with the best education systems in the world. (backgroun
MAR 11
Ras Baraka - educator, progressive, candidate for mayor
Sometimes we encounter a unique voice, even in politics, one which we might not be expecting, but to which we should pay attention, and even more, give our support. On Saturday I was one of a small group of DC-area education bloggers who had a unique experience. We were invited guests for a political fundraiser in the Langston Hughes room of the original Busboys and Poets, at 14th and V Streets N
MAR 07
"Slavery’s story is America’s story."
That is the final line of Eugene Robinson's powerful Washington Post column, THe American Story of Slavery. I will offer blockquotes without hotlinks because you should read the entire column. Robinson begins by noting Hollywood has finally taken an unflinching look at slavery. It’s past time for the rest of the country to do the same. He goes on to write We tell ourselves that we know all abou
MAR 03
On school snow days and tests -
some thoughts as schools around DC are all closed tomorrow as well as today- since my last name begins with B I am among the first apparently to get the automated phone call telling us Anne Arundel County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow. Some districts are already on their 12th day of being closed, but those are in districts with snow days built into the calendar. Loudoun County has longe
MAR 02
"The Terms of our Surrender"
I am no fan of Ross Douthat, but this column in today's New York Times is well worth the read. I will not quote much. He begins IT now seems certain that before too many years elapse, the Supreme Court will be forced to acknowledge the logic of its own jurisprudence on same-sex marriage and redefine marriage to include gay couples in all 50 states. Once this happens, the national debate essen
MAR 01
An odd week in my classroom
One reason it was odd is that there were no interruptions or cancellations due to weather - as of now it looks like that trend will be broken at the beginning of next week. The week started out strong - we were observed by principals and the assistant superintendent for our cluster/region. Several came into my 2nd period class partway through and stayed about 20-25 minutes. When they left they h