Michigan Formula: Defund the Schools, Then Tie Teacher Pay to Scores
Here is the absurd consequence of the terrible ideas that have dominated education policy in the US. for the past 20 or so years.
The governor and legislators in Michigan have stripped more than a billion dollars from the public schools even as they better test scores. Now, as they plan to cut public school budgets even more, they want to tie teachers’
The governor and legislators in Michigan have stripped more than a billion dollars from the public schools even as they better test scores. Now, as they plan to cut public school budgets even more, they want to tie teachers’
Parent in Philly to Governor Corbett, No More Cuts
Rebecca Poyourow, parent activist, wrote a terrific op-ed calling on Governor Corbett to stop the cuts that are devastating the schools.
In 2011-12, the governor cut $1 billion from the schools, and the cuts hurry Philadelphia the most. Class sizes soared, parents chipped in to replace staff, after-school programs were eliminated, even basic supplies had to given to the school.
While parents and teachers are pinching pennies, the state-appointed school reform commission continues throwing away money, she says. “We know that our actions, while laudable, will amount to very little if our
In 2011-12, the governor cut $1 billion from the schools, and the cuts hurry Philadelphia the most. Class sizes soared, parents chipped in to replace staff, after-school programs were eliminated, even basic supplies had to given to the school.
While parents and teachers are pinching pennies, the state-appointed school reform commission continues throwing away money, she says. “We know that our actions, while laudable, will amount to very little if our
David Kirp Explains Why High-Stakes Testing Gets an F
David Kirp, professor at the University of California at Berkeley and author of “Improbable Scholars,” describes here the ruinous consequences of high-stakes testing.
Everything associated with the corporate reform movement is failing. How much longer will the hedge fund managers and the federal government continue to fund failing strategies?
He begins:
“It’s a terrible time for advocates of market-driven reform in public education. For more than a decade, their strategy—which makes teachers’ careers turn on student gains in reading and math tests, and promotes competition through charter schools and vouchers—has been the dominant policy mantra. But now the cracks are showing. That’s a good thing because this isn’t a proven—or even a promising—way to make schools better.
Everything associated with the corporate reform movement is failing. How much longer will the hedge fund managers and the federal government continue to fund failing strategies?
He begins:
“It’s a terrible time for advocates of market-driven reform in public education. For more than a decade, their strategy—which makes teachers’ careers turn on student gains in reading and math tests, and promotes competition through charter schools and vouchers—has been the dominant policy mantra. But now the cracks are showing. That’s a good thing because this isn’t a proven—or even a promising—way to make schools better.
Crazy Crawfish Explains It All for You
When the Louisiana Supreme Court handed down a crushing 6-1 defeat for Bobby Jindal’s voucher plan, State Superintendent John White immediately declared victory. The court said it was not ruling on the merits of the case but on its funding: the state may not spend money dedicated to public schools to pay for vouchers and course choice (eg, K12, Connections, and other for-profit providers).
This may seem puzzling to those of who do not live in Louisiana but the locals understand.
Crazy Crawfish worked at the Louisiana Department of Education, and he
This may seem puzzling to those of who do not live in Louisiana but the locals understand.
Crazy Crawfish worked at the Louisiana Department of Education, and he
Governor Cuomo, Please Read This
Governor Andrew Cuomo likes to say that the problems in New York are not about money, because the state spends enough already.
Governor, please read this analysis by Bruce Baker.
Despite years of promises, New York State has one of the most inequitable school finance systems in the
Governor, please read this analysis by Bruce Baker.
Despite years of promises, New York State has one of the most inequitable school finance systems in the
Bill Gates Says He Knows How to Solve the Teacher Evaluation Problem
Bill Gates gave a TED talk. I confess I didn’t watch. Happily, others did and produced a transcript.
Jersey Jazzman called Bill’s central assertion (that 98% of teachers get a one-word evaluation, “satisfactory”) ridiculous. If you link to JJ’s blog, you cn watch Bill explain how to fix the evaluation problem.
The one time I saw Bill Gates was at Davos in 2006. He spoke then with the same sense of absolute certainty. He knew exactly what was needed to cure all the ills of American education: small high schools with rigor and relevance. He spoke assuredly. He did not admit that the foundation’s evaluations were not so rosy as his description. Two years later, he dropped the small school as panacea.
Jersey Jazzman called Bill’s central assertion (that 98% of teachers get a one-word evaluation, “satisfactory”) ridiculous. If you link to JJ’s blog, you cn watch Bill explain how to fix the evaluation problem.
The one time I saw Bill Gates was at Davos in 2006. He spoke then with the same sense of absolute certainty. He knew exactly what was needed to cure all the ills of American education: small high schools with rigor and relevance. He spoke assuredly. He did not admit that the foundation’s evaluations were not so rosy as his description. Two years later, he dropped the small school as panacea.
Will There Be a Graduation at Buena Vista?
Buena Vista schools in Michigan shut down abruptly in the face of a fiscal crisis, even though the teachers in the district offered to work for free.
There is no indication that Governor Rick Snyder will do anything to help the district.
In most states, the state government is responsible to be sure that all children have access to public education. Apparently not in
There is no indication that Governor Rick Snyder will do anything to help the district.
In most states, the state government is responsible to be sure that all children have access to public education. Apparently not in
The Great Accountability Scam
Crazy Crawfish here writes a brilliant post about The Great Accountability Scam.
He is writing about Louisiana and the Recovery School District, but what he describes applies with equal force to every “reform” scheme in every state and even to Race to the Top.
What he explains is the destructive and failed theory of action that is the very heart of the corporate reform movement.
It goes like this: use test scores to fire teachers, fire principals, close schools, and shatter communities. Create
He is writing about Louisiana and the Recovery School District, but what he describes applies with equal force to every “reform” scheme in every state and even to Race to the Top.
What he explains is the destructive and failed theory of action that is the very heart of the corporate reform movement.
It goes like this: use test scores to fire teachers, fire principals, close schools, and shatter communities. Create
NEPC Grades ALEC Score Card for State Policy
The National Education Policy Center is an invaluable resource. It keeps tabs on the half-baked research that pours forth from advocacy groups pretending to be think tanks.
Its latest report reviews ALEC’s “report card” on the states.
You will not be surprised to learn that he states with the highest scores are those with vouchers, charters, and
Its latest report reviews ALEC’s “report card” on the states.
You will not be surprised to learn that he states with the highest scores are those with vouchers, charters, and
Diane in the Evening 5-9-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Jeanne Allen Responds to Bruce Baker by dianerav After the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled 6-1 that the funding for vouchers was unconstitutional, Jeanne Allen urged Governor Jindal to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bruce Baker chastised Allen and said she needed a civics lesson about how federalism works. Jeanne Allen responded here. In her response, she says that there were criticisms of her family on this blog. I did not see every comment, but nothing posted here referred to Jeanne’s family, o... more »
