Weingarten and Darling-Hammond Call for a New Accoutability
Randi Weingarten and Linda Darling-Hammond have co-authored a major new statement on accountability. They write that: “If we assume that the goal of accountability should be better education, the test-and-punish approach must be replaced by a support-and-improve model. A new approach should ensure that students get what they really need: 1) curriculum, teaching, and assessment focused on meaning
Strauss: What Does Arne Think of New VAM Studies?
Valerie Strauss notes the growing number of studies that debunk the value of judging teacher quality by the rise or fall of test scores, and naturally she wondered what Secretary Arne Duncan thought about them. There was the report of the American Statistical Association, which said: l “VAMs should be viewed within the context of quality improvement, which distinguishes aspects of quality that can
Bob Braun: Cami Will Lay Off 500, including 200 Teachers
The election for Mayor of Newark is over, but state-appointed superintendent Cam Anderson reminds everyone she is still in charge of the schools. Bob Braun reports that Cami will cut 500 Newark public schools employees, “including 200 teaching positions, 200 central office employees, and nearly 100 non-instructional workers, including clerks and aides. The resulting layoffs will follow tenure and
Peter Goodman: The Only Way Obama Can Avoid Defeat in November is to Fire Arne
Peter Goodman, a political analyst who is close to the United Federation of Teachers in New York City, concludes that the November elections are looking increasingly bleak for President Obama and the Democrats. It is beginning to look like Democrats could lose control of the Senate, which would leave Obama with little more than veto power. This could have serious consequences. Credit Obama with t
Another Principal in Chicago Speaks Out Against Political Interference
A few days ago, I posted a letter by Troy LaRavalierre, a principal in a Chicago elementary school, protesting the administration’s indifference to the views of the system’s professionals. He wrote boldly about efforts to stifle criticism and enforce a compliant attitude. Happily he is not alone. Another principal Adam Parrott-Scheffer, principal of Peterson Elementary School, has joined in prote
Peter Greene: Why the U.S. DOE Will Soon Send an Ambassador to YOU
Peter Greene is convinced that Arne Duncan is about to launch a series of new Ambassador programs, to spread the good word about the GREAT job that he is doing. Why hide your light beneath a bushel or a barrel or a boxcar when the DOE has so many successful initiatives (especially if you work in its public relations department)? Greene says keep your eyes peeled for these great initiatives: “Am
Katie Zahedi Explains Why Many Educators Reject PISA
Educator Katie Zahedi and Professor Heinz Dieter Meyer wrote a letter critical of PISA’s emphasis on high-stakes testing and global competition. The letter has been translated into several languages and has gathered more than 1,000 signatures. Andreas Schleicher, director of PISA, disagreed with their letter and denied their critique. Since it is impossible to draft a response by more than 1,000
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-18-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: The Nation Investigates: Teacher Jail in Los AngelesAre classrooms overflowing with sexual predators? Some school leaders in Los Angeles think they are. The Nation reports on a special investigation where teachers are challenged to clear their names. It starts here with the question of how teachers can prove their innocence. “Iris