Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Diane in the Evening 2-27-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:





Will the Democratic Party Listen?

In this terrific article, you can see the beginnings of a popular uprising against the testing obsession and the rush to put public dollars into private hands.
In Texas, Republicans are paying attention, even threatening to pull the plug on testing. Rural Republicans seem


Corporate Bloc Collects $3 Million to Buy L.A. School Board

Corporate reformers are taking no chances.
They have raised more than $3 million to make sure that they control the Los Angeles school board.
The school board president Monica Garcia will have $1 million, more or less, to fight off education activist Robert Skeels, who has raised $20,000, more or less.
Inexperienced Kate Anderson, the corporate favorite, will have $1 million, more or less, to battle incumbent Steve 



Words of Wisdom about Common Core

As readers know, I often post comments that I find interesting. Sometimes I agree with them, sometimes I disagree, sometimes they raise questions that are sure to provoke discussion, which is healthy. I like this comment. One of the reasons I like it is that the writer recognizes that American education is not in crisis, that the overwhelming majority of public schools are successful, and that we must be temperate in grabbing at quick fixes or sweeping changes.
The reader writes:
Well, I must admit I did not read all the posts [about the Common Core]. I lost interest when I felt the conversation was becoming a list of advocates for their favorite methodology. To go back to Doctor Ravitch’s 


What Supt. John Kuhn Said at Texas Rally

John Kuhn is a superintendent of a small district in Texas. He is also one of the most eloquent champions of students, teachers, and public education. With him on our side, we can’t lose.
Why doesn’t the media give him equal time with Michelle Rhee? He actually educates children. He changes lives. He is an educator.
This was his speech at the Save Texas Schools rally on 2/23/13:
http://www.texasisd.com/article_135671.shtml
John Kuhn’s Rally Speech
By John Kuhn – Supt
Feb 27, 2013, 08:39
Are there any teachers in this crowd?
I want to say something to teachers that our lawmakers should have said long ago: Thank You! Thank you for 


An Open Letter to Educators and Parents in Seattle

NBCTs, nationwide: I’m gathering signatures for this letter of support.
You name, school, district, city , state to my email at the bottom. Thanks!
An Open letter to the Seattle Educational Community
Teachers, parents, students, school board members and the administration of Seattle Public Schools owe Garfield High School teachers their gratitude for first speaking the truth about the MAP test. Any reprimand of or negative consequences imposed by Seattle Public Schools on the truth-telling teachers of Garfield, and the teachers at many other sites who have joined them, would be unjust. These teachers should be given public commendations for rightly raising their professional concerns and specific critique of our district’s choice and


More Photos from Save Texas Schools Rally, 2/23/13

these photos were taken by retired Texas teacher Steve Coyle.
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LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 2-27-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Florida: Not Enough Money to Pay for Common Core by dianerav Not many people in the U.S. are as enthusiastic about the Common Core as Jeb Bush and his far-right Chiefs for Change. One of his chiefs is Tony Bennett, who lost his superintendency in Indiana because of a popular revolt against the Common Core. No problem, Bennett landed on his feet in Florida (thanks, Jeb!) where he could continue the battle for Common Core. Why is Jeb Bush so excited about Comon ... more »