Schools Matter:
Schools Matter All Week
Bogus Test Based Evaluations and Charterization Put Hundreds of Memphis Teachers' Jobs on Chopping Block
This year it's called "excessing." Just over a year ago it was call "surplussing." A clip from the Memphis Corporate Appeal:. . . .The shuffle in schools happens every spring as principals draw up staffing numbers to match projected enrollment. While the teachers have not been laid off, it is their responsibility as “excessed” staff to work through system the district has set
Hoosier School Heist author Doug Martin sings his new song "When ISTEP Was a Famous Dance"
Hoosier School Heist author Doug Martin sings his new song "When ISTEP Was a Famous Dance." Kim Fidler's ISTA 2C District Council Meeting, Courtyard by Marriott (Airport Location), May 14, 2014, IndianapolisFor some reason, the video won't post to this website. I will try again later. For now, see the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6WXTzVP40YWhen ISTEP Was a Famo
MAY 15
The common core: Don't forget what the real problem is.
Sent to the Seattle Times, May 15, 2014I think the common core math standards are lousy on purpose, made lousy so that parents will complain ("2+2=What? Parents rail against Common Core math," May 15).The common core architects will then make some adjustments, enough to stop the most vigorous complaints. Many complainers will then be satisfied and the public will be impressed with how op
Schools on Closure List Outperforming Local KIPP Schools
A recent Diane Rehms segment dealt with the continued segregation and resegregation of American schools. One of the guests and charter school supporter argued that segregation is not so bad: after all, look at the KIPP schools for examples of how poor urban children can have soaring scores in segregated environments. Predictably, the guest said nothing about the fact the KIPPs enroll fewer specia
Schools on Closure List Outperforming Local KIPP Schools
A recent Diane Rehms segment dealt with the continued segregation and resegregation of American schools. One of the guests and charter school supporter argued that segregation is not so bad: after all, look at the KIPP schools for examples of how poor urban children can have soaring scores in segregated environments. Predictably, the guest said nothing about the fact the KIPPs enroll fewer specia
MAY 14
Study Should Spark New Lawsuits Against Teacher Eval Based on VAM
From the summary at Brookings:The federal government has spurred the creation of a new generation of teacher evaluation systems at the state level through more than $4 billion in Race to the Top funding to 19 states and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) accountability waivers to 43 states. A majority of states have passed laws requiring the adoption of teacher evaluation systems that incorporate student
MAY 13
Brown is Dying, and Friedman Lives On
In 1954 SCOTUS declared in a 9-0 decision that separate schools are inherently unequal. And thus began the beginning of the end for Jim Crow. But Old Jim has proven to be very resilient, and even today his grandson, James Crow, Jr. Esq. continues the racist work of his grandfather. Old Jim has had many allies between the segregated schools of the 1950s and the segregated schools of the 2010s.O
No Oversight for Pennsylvania's Billion Dollar a Year Charter Industry
While the profiteers and privatizers threaten, demean, and berate students and teachers for more accountability, the Vampire Squid unleashed by billionaires has its blood funnel deep into the public jugular of Philadelphia. As public schools re-use copy paper and shutter libraries and fire counselors, the billionaires and hedge funders walk away with state government and handsome profits. When w
No Child Left Behind Documentary
This film was produced by Lerone Wilson on a shoestring budget -too bad, it's taken more than 10 years for the rest of the nation to catch on.So much damage has been done because of high stakes standardized testing.Only two students this week at my school threatened to commit suicide.Could it be related to the NJ Ask Test?Perhaps someone should "ask" those students.
Responding to Joanne Jacobs on Her KIPP "Character" Defense
Joanne Jacobs applies her own distinct brand of mild mommish corporate apologia to defend against the insightful essay last week by Jeff Snyder on KIPP's "value-free" character indoctrination program developed by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dave Levin. In fact, Joanne would be entirely on board if Dave and Marty would add "citizenship" to grit, zest, self-control, optimism, gratit
MAY 11
KIPP Pre-Ks With 8-9 Hour Days
KIPP's segregated charter reform schools are widely known for their 10 hour days, plus 2 hours of homework each night. With tons of federal cash soon up for grabs for those who promise to replace the effect of poverty with cultural and character sterilization programs, KIPP has plans to take the lead in the 3-4 year old market. KIPP would like to start with kids before age 3, but there is no mon
MAY 10
Poor Children Need More High Stakes Standardized Testing
How much longer will this nation and its political and corporate leaders continue to hide behind standardized testing and accountability for teachers while more children and families slip into poverty because of greedy sociopaths? Answer: as long as parents and teachers allow it.Do you think the Acosta children will cause their teachers to lose their jobs because they didn't reach 100 percent prof