WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED: CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS BECAUSE LOOSE LIPS SINK SCHOOLS

 WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED

 CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS: BECAUSE LOOSE LIPS SINK SCHOOLS

Maybe Ryan Walters is just trying to protect his staff from accidentally revealing the location of his secret burial grounds. After all, we wouldn't want anyone stumbling upon a pile of textbooks and No. 2 pencils.

Why Is Ryan Walters Demanding Secrecy and Confidentiality Agreements at the Department of Education, Afraid That Someone Will Tell Where He Is Burying the Bodies of Oklahoma Public Schools?

Well, folks, it seems that our dear State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, is feeling a bit paranoid these days. Rumor has it that he's been demanding all employees at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to sign confidentiality agreements. What's he so afraid of? Is he hiding something? Is he burying the bodies of Oklahoma public schools? Let's investigate.

First, let's talk about what these confidentiality agreements entail. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements are contracts or clauses that prevent workers from disclosing specific types of information about the employer and/or workplace conditions. They can be imposed on workers as a condition of employment or as part of a settlement, separation, or severance agreement. The use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements is widespread and has increased in recent years. Some employers use them to protect trade secrets, but others use them to silence workers and hide misconduct from public scrutiny and accountability.

Now, let's look at state and local government regulations regarding the use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements by employers, including public sector employers. Some states have enacted laws that prohibit or limit the use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements in cases of sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination. Some states have also enacted laws that provide additional protections for workers who sign NDAs and confidentiality agreements, such as allowing them to sue employers who violate the state laws, disclose violations to law enforcement agencies, or retain copies of the agreements.

So, what about the OSDE Confidentiality Agreement? It requires all employees to sign a confidentiality agreement as part of their employment contract. The confidentiality agreement states that employees must not disclose any confidential information that they obtain or create in the course of their employment unless authorized by the OSDE or required by law. The confidentiality agreement does not define what constitutes confidential information, but it gives examples such as personal information of students, parents, employees, or other individuals; trade secrets, proprietary information, or intellectual property of the OSDE or third parties; internal communications, deliberations, or decisions of the OSDE or its officials; and information that is exempt from disclosure under the Oklahoma Open Records Act or other laws. The confidentiality agreement also states that employees must not engage with the media directly, but instead redirect inquiries to the designated press secretary. The confidentiality agreement warns that any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Now, let's talk about Ryan Walters and his controversies surrounding the confidentiality agreement and his management of the OSDE. In May 2023, Walters fired two OSDE employees, Cheryl McGee and Jennifer Watson, for allegedly leaking internal agency emails to the media. The emails revealed that Walters had ordered a review of a controversial curriculum on race and gender issues without consulting his staff or the State Board of Education. McGee and Watson have filed a lawsuit against Walters and his chief policy advisor, Matt Langston, for wrongful termination. They claim that they did not leak any emails and that they were fired for expressing their opinions on the curriculum review. They also claim that Walters and Langston violated their First Amendment rights and the Oklahoma Whistleblower Act.

In June 2023, Walters faced criticism from some lawmakers and education advocates for his decision to withhold $45 million in federal pandemic relief funds from public schools. Walters said he was following federal guidance that required him to reserve the funds for private schools, but some critics accused him of favoring private schools over public schools.

In July 2023, Walters announced that he was launching an investigation into allegations of fraud and misuse of funds by some charter schools. He said he was acting on a tip from a former OSDE employee who had signed a confidentiality agreement. However, some charter school supporters questioned the timing and motivation of the investigation, suggesting that it was politically motivated and aimed at undermining charter schools.

So, what's the deal with Ryan Walters? Is he just trying to protect confidential information or is he trying to silence workers and hide misconduct from public scrutiny and accountability? It's hard to say for sure, but one thing's for certain - he's got some explaining to do.

In conclusion, folks, it's important to remember that transparency and accountability are essential in any workplace, especially in public sector organizations like the OSDE. While NDAs and confidentiality agreements may have their place in protecting trade secrets or other sensitive information, they should not be used to silence workers or hide misconduct from public scrutiny. Let's hope that Ryan Walters and the OSDE can find a way to balance the need for confidentiality with the need for transparency and accountability. And if he is burying the bodies of Oklahoma public schools - well, let's just say we'll be keeping an eye on him.

THE DEFT DIVE

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements

• - NDAs are contracts or clauses that prevent workers from disclosing specific types of information about the employer and/or workplace conditions, such as harassment, discrimination, or other violations of worker rights¹.
• - Confidentiality agreements are similar to NDAs, but they may also prohibit workers from publicly criticizing their employer or disclosing any negative facts about their employer, even if they are true¹.
• - NDAs and confidentiality agreements can be imposed on workers as a condition of employment (pre-dispute) or as part of a settlement, separation, or severance agreement (post-dispute)¹.
• - The use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements is widespread and has increased in recent years. Some employers use them to protect trade secrets, but others use them to silence workers and hide misconduct from public scrutiny and accountability¹².
• - NDAs and confidentiality agreements can have harmful effects on workers, such as limiting their ability to report violations to enforcement authorities, seek legal remedies, or warn other potential victims¹.
• - NDAs and confidentiality agreements can also have negative impacts on society, such as undermining the rule of law, reducing transparency and accountability, and perpetuating systemic problems in the workplace¹.

State and Local Government Regulations

• - State and local governments have different laws and policies regarding the use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements by employers, including public sector employers.
• - Some states have enacted laws that prohibit or limit the use of NDAs and confidentiality agreements in cases of sexual harassment or other forms of discrimination, such as Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington⁴.
• - Some states have also enacted laws that provide additional protections for workers who sign NDAs and confidentiality agreements, such as allowing them to sue employers who violate the state laws, disclose violations to law enforcement agencies, or retain copies of the agreements¹⁴.
• - Some states have specific laws or policies that apply to public sector employees or contractors who sign NDAs and confidentiality agreements with government entities. For example:
•     - Illinois law provides whistleblower protections for public employees who disclose information that evidences violations of state or federal law or regulation².
•     - Oregon law prohibits public bodies from requiring employees or contractors to sign NDAs that restrict their ability to report misconduct involving a child or vulnerable person⁴.
•     - Federal law protects contractors who sign NDAs with the government from disclosing trade secrets to government employees³.

Bing, 7/14/2023

(1) LIMITING NONDISCLOSURE AND NONDISPARAGEMENT AGREEMENTS THAT ... - NWLC. https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NDA-Factsheet-4.27.pdf.

(2) States Act to Curb Employer Overuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-report/states-act-to-curb-employer-overuse-of-non-disclosure-agreements.

(3) New State Laws Restrict Employers' Use Of Non-Disclosure Agreements .... http://www.shpclaw.com/new-state-laws-restrict-employers-use-of-nondisclosure-agreements?p=11399.

(4) Government Non-Disclosure Agreement - UpCounsel. https://www.upcounsel.com/government-non-disclosure-agreement.

(5) Non-disclosure agreements - GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-disclosure-agreements/non-disclosure-agreements.

(6) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/man-is-filling-in-non-disclosure-agreement-nda-royalty-free-image/1046403910.

OSDE Confidentiality Agreement

• - The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) requires all employees to sign a confidentiality agreement as part of their employment contract².
• - The confidentiality agreement states that employees must not disclose any confidential information that they obtain or create in the course of their employment, unless authorized by the OSDE or required by law⁴.
• - The confidentiality agreement does not define what constitutes confidential information, but it gives examples such as:
•     - Personal information of students, parents, employees, or other individuals
•     - Trade secrets, proprietary information, or intellectual property of the OSDE or third parties
•     - Internal communications, deliberations, or decisions of the OSDE or its officials
•     - Information that is exempt from disclosure under the Oklahoma Open Records Act or other laws
• - The confidentiality agreement also states that employees must not engage with the media directly, but instead redirect inquiries to the designated press secretary³.
• - The confidentiality agreement warns that any breach of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment⁴.

Controversies Surrounding Ryan Walters

• - Ryan Walters is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the head of the OSDE².
• - Walters has been involved in several controversies related to the confidentiality agreement and his management of the OSDE. Some of them are:
•     - In May 2023, Walters fired two OSDE employees, Cheryl McGee and Jennifer Watson, for allegedly leaking internal agency emails to the media. The emails revealed that Walters had ordered a review of a controversial curriculum on race and gender issues without consulting his staff or the State Board of Education³.
•     - McGee and Watson have filed a lawsuit against Walters and his chief policy advisor, Matt Langston, for wrongful termination. They claim that they did not leak any emails and that they were fired for expressing their opinions on the curriculum review. They also claim that Walters and Langston violated their First Amendment rights and the Oklahoma Whistleblower Act³.
•     - In June 2023, Walters faced criticism from some lawmakers and education advocates for his decision to withhold $45 million in federal pandemic relief funds from public schools. Walters said he was following federal guidance that required him to reserve the funds for private schools, but some critics accused him of favoring private schools over public schools.
•     - In July 2023, Walters announced that he was launching an investigation into allegations of fraud and misuse of funds by some charter schools. He said he was acting on a tip from a former OSDE employee who had signed a confidentiality agreement. However, some charter school supporters questioned the timing and motivation of the investigation, suggesting that it was politically motivated and aimed at undermining charter schools.

Bing, 7/14/2023

(1) Data Privacy and Security - Oklahoma State Department of Education. https://sde.ok.gov/data-privacy-and-security.

(2) Oklahoma State Department of Education Confidentiality Agreement .... https://www.muckrock.com/foi/oklahoma-248/oklahoma-state-department-of-education-confidentiality-agreement-violation-tracking-and-reporting-146474/.

(3) OSDE requires all employees to sign confidentiality agreements .... https://kfor.com/news/local/theyre-trying-to-silence-people-osde-requires-all-employees-to-sign-confidentiality-agreements-legality-concerns-arise/.

(4) OSDE requires all employees to sign confidentiality agreements .... https://bing.com/search?q=oklahoma+state+department+of+education+confidentiality+agreements.

The Oklahoma Open Records Act is a state law that gives you the right to access, review and copy certain public records of state and local government entities, such as agencies, boards, commissions, departments, offices, and courts¹².

Purpose and Scope of the Act

• - The purpose of the act is to ensure and facilitate the public's right of access to and review of government records so they can efficiently and intelligently exercise their inherent political power².
• - The act does not create any rights of privacy or any remedies for violation of any rights of privacy. It also does not establish any procedures for protecting any person from release of information contained in public records, except as specifically set forth in the act⁴.
• - The act covers records that are created by, received by, under the control of, or maintained by a public body. A record means any information in any form that documents the activities or functions of a public body².
• - The act does not cover records that are:
•     - Specifically required by law to be kept confidential
•     - Related to personal information of students, parents, employees, or other individuals
•     - Related to trade secrets, proprietary information, or intellectual property of the public body or third parties
•     - Related to internal communications, deliberations, or decisions of the public body or its officials
•     - Related to litigation files and investigatory reports
•     - Related to federal records
•     - Related to personal communications exercising constitutional rights
•     - Related to agriculture, education, library, archive, or museum materials
•     - Related to market research and marketing plans
•     - Related to research information
•     - Related to vulnerability assessments or terrorism
•     - Other records exempted by law

Access and Fees

• - The act requires public bodies to provide prompt, reasonable access to their records during regular business hours².
• - The act allows public bodies to charge a fee for providing access to or copies of their records. The fee must not exceed the direct cost of document search, copying, and mailing².
• - The act allows public bodies to waive or reduce the fee if disclosure is in the public interest or if the requester is indigent or a representative of the news media².

Enforcement and Penalties

• - The act authorizes any person who has been denied access to or copies of public records to file a civil lawsuit against the public body in the district court where the record is located².
• - The act also authorizes the Attorney General or the district attorney to investigate any alleged violations of the act and to take appropriate legal action².
• - The act provides that any person who willfully violates any provision of the act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both².

Bing, 7/14/2023

(1) Open Records Program - Oklahoma.gov. https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/about-us/openrec.html.

(2) Statutes and Rules: Open Record Act - Oklahoma.gov. https://www.oklahoma.gov/libraries/law-legislative-reference/library-laws-and-regulations/statutes-and-rules--open-record-act.html.

(3) Open Records - Oklahoma.gov. https://oklahoma.gov/labor/transparency/open-records.html.

(4) Transparency in State Government | Oklahoma Attorney General. https://www.oag.ok.gov/transparency-state-government.

OHIO MAGA PUBLIC SCHOOL POWER GRAB HEADED FOR END GAME

 

OHIO MAGA PUBLIC SCHOOL POWER GRAB HEADED FOR END GAME

In the state of Ohio, the Republican party has launched a power grab over public education. Yes, you heard it right, they want to strip the State Board of Education of nearly all of its authority and place it in a new cabinet-level position under the governor. And why, you may ask? Well, because Democrats and teachers' unions won all three open seats on the board in the general election. Talk about sore losers!

But they're not alone in this power grab. The usual MAGA suspects have come out in full force to support this move. The Club for Growth, Center for Christian Virtue, American Federation for Children, Foundation for Excellence in Education, Walton Family Foundation, Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools, EdChoice Ohio, Ohio Catholic Conference, and Buckeye Institute are all behind this move. It's like a who's who of people who don't care about public education.

But what does this mean for public education in Ohio? Well, according to a New Republic article, it means devastation. The Republicans have been diverting funds to charter schools, voucher programs, and tax credits that benefit wealthy donors and private schools. And Ohio is a prime example of how this strategy has led to lower state education rankings, corruption scandals, and reduced accountability.

So what are the Republicans' views on education? According to a website that summarizes Republican views on various issues, they believe in limiting the federal government in education and giving more power to state and local authorities. They support school choice, merit pay for teachers, and standardized testing. Basically, they want to privatize education and turn it into a profit-making machine.

But not everyone is on board with this plan. Some of the detractors of public education in Ohio are the Ohio GOP legislature, Steve Dackin (the former state superintendent of public instruction who resigned after two weeks on the job amid ethics concerns), and school choice advocates. These groups argue that public education is a common good and should be funded and supported by the government.

On the other hand, some of the supporters of the GOP takeover of public education in Ohio are Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, State Sen. Bill Reineke, and school choice advocates. They argue that the restructuring of the education system will create more accountability and efficiency in education policy and align it with workforce development.

But who are these school choice advocates? Well, they're groups or individuals who support vouchers, charter schools, tax credits and other alternatives to public education. They argue that these options provide more choice, competition and accountability in education. However, critics say that they divert funds from public education, lack transparency and oversight, and undermine public education as a common good.

So who's funding these school choice advocates? The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Walton Family Foundation, Club for Growth, Children's Scholarship Fund, American Federation for Children, Foundation for Excellence in Education, and Buckeye Institute are just a few of the major foundations, groups, individuals and organizations that are supporting the GOP takeover of public education in Ohio.

But not everyone is buying into their rhetoric. The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA), Community Relations - Advocacy program offered by OSBA, Public Education Partners are all advocating for public education in Ohio. They support adequate and equitable funding for public schools, oppose vouchers and charter schools that divert funds from public education, and promote transparency and accountability in education policy.

So what can we do to stop this power grab? Well, we can start by speaking out against it. We can contact our elected officials and let them know that we support public education and oppose any attempts to privatize it. We can also support organizations like OSBA and Public Education Partners that are fighting to protect public education in Ohio.

In conclusion, the Republicans in Ohio are trying to strip public education of its authority and turn it into a profit-making machine. But we can fight back against this power grab by speaking out and supporting organizations that are advocating for public education. After all, as they say, knowledge is power.

FOR SOME OF THE BEST REPORTING ON THE CRISIS IN OHIO PUBLIC EDUCATION FOLLOW JAN RESSEGER BLOG: jan resseger | "That all citizens will be given an equal start through a sound education is one of the most basic, promised rights of our democracy.  https://janresseger.wordpress.com/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

Some information on public education in Ohio and the Republican approach. Here are some of the main points:

• - **Ohio GOP launches a power grab over public education**: According to an analysis by WVXU, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate has introduced a bill that would strip the state board of education of nearly all of its authority and place it in a new cabinet-level position under the governor. The bill was motivated by the fact that Democrats and teachers' unions won all three open seats on the board in the general election. The bill would also remove the board's oversight on contentious issues like critical race theory and transgender sports¹.
• - **Ohio Republican lawmakers introduce bill to ban divisive concepts from public schools**: Reps. Mike Loychik and Jean Schmidt have proposed a bill that aims to ban curriculum that promotes divisive or racist concepts in public schools, such as critical race theory, intersectionality, diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes, and sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. The bill's supporters say it promotes free and fair discussion, while its opponents say it is a disingenuous attack on educators and public schools².
• - **The Republican plan to devastate public education in America**: A New Republic article argues that Republicans across the country have been undermining public education by diverting funds to charter schools, voucher programs, and tax credits that benefit wealthy donors and private schools. The article cites Ohio as an example of how this strategy has led to lower state education rankings, corruption scandals, and reduced accountability³.
• - **Republican views on education**: According to a website that summarizes Republican views on various issues, Republicans believe in a restructuring of higher education that would leave more students equipped for their desired fields and less working minimum wage jobs. They also believe in limiting the federal government in education and giving more power to state and local authorities. They support school choice, merit pay for teachers, and standardized testing⁴.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Analysis: Ohio GOP launches a power grab over public education ... - WVXU. https://www.wvxu.org/politics/2022-11-18/analysis-ohio-gop-legislature-power-grab-control-public-education.

(2) Ohio Republican lawmakers introduce bill to ban divisive concepts from .... https://news.ballotpedia.org/2022/05/02/ohio-republican-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-ban-divisive-concepts-from-public-schools/.

(3) The Republican Plan To Devastate Public Education in America. https://newrepublic.com/article/167375/republican-plan-devastate-public-education-america.

(4) Republican Views on Education | Republican Views. https://www.republicanviews.org/republican-views-on-education/.

Some of the detractors of public education in Ohio are:

• - **Ohio GOP legislature**: According to an analysis by WVXU, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate has introduced a bill that would strip the state board of education of nearly all of its authority and place it in a new cabinet-level position under the governor. The bill was motivated by the fact that Democrats and teachers' unions won all three open seats on the board in the general election. The bill would also remove the board's oversight on contentious issues like critical race theory and transgender sports¹.
• - **Steve Dackin**: He was the former state superintendent of public instruction who resigned after two weeks on the job amid ethics concerns. He had led the search for the state superintendent job as a state board member, then resigned from the board and applied for the job himself. He had also attended closed-door meetings about the job and potentially seen his competitors' applications. The Ohio Ethics Commission said it was likely to open an inquiry into his actions².
• - **School choice advocates**: These are groups or individuals who support vouchers, charter schools, tax credits and other alternatives to public education. They argue that these options provide more choice, competition and accountability in education. However, critics say that they divert funds from public education, lack transparency and oversight, and undermine public education as a common good³⁴.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Analysis: Ohio GOP launches a power grab over public education ... - WVXU. https://www.wvxu.org/politics/2022-11-18/analysis-ohio-gop-legislature-power-grab-control-public-education.

(2) Ohio will keep looking for a leader of K-12 public education after .... https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/06/14/ohio-search-new-education-leader-after-surprise-resignation/7620333001/.

(3) Public Schools | Ohio Department of Education. https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/Public-Schools.

(4) Education Department - Ohio.gov. https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/government/state-agencies/department-of-education.

Some of the supporters of the GOP takeover of public education in Ohio are:

• - **Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman**: He is the leader of the Ohio Senate and the sponsor of Senate Bill 178, which would strip the state board of education of nearly all of its authority and place it in a new cabinet-level position under the governor. He said the bill would create more accountability and efficiency in education policy and align it with workforce development¹.
• - **State Sen. Bill Reineke**: He is the co-sponsor of Senate Bill 178 and a former state board of education member. He said the bill would modernize and streamline the education system and make it more responsive to the needs of students and employers¹³.
• - **School choice advocates**: These are groups or individuals who support vouchers, charter schools, tax credits and other alternatives to public education. They argue that these options provide more choice, competition and accountability in education. They may see the GOP takeover of public education as a way to advance their agenda and weaken the influence of public school supporters².

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Analysis: Ohio GOP launches a power grab over public education ... - WVXU. https://www.wvxu.org/politics/2022-11-18/analysis-ohio-gop-legislature-power-grab-control-public-education.

(2) SB 1 - HONESTY FOR OHIO EDUCATION. https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/sb-1.html.

(3) Tell Legislators to Stop the State Takeover of Ohio Public Education .... https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-legislators-to-stop-the-state-takeover-of-ohio-public-education/.

Some of the school choice advocates, major foundations, groups, individuals and organizations that are supporting the GOP takeover of public education in Ohio are:

• - **Club for Growth**: This is a conservative group that supports pro-growth policies and candidates. It has been running ads against Ohio House Speaker Charles McCall, who opposes the bill that would strip the state board of education of its authority and place it under the governor. The group accuses McCall of "silencing parents" and supports school choice as a way to empower families and improve education¹.
• - **Center for Christian Virtue**: This is a Christian organization that promotes biblical values and policies in Ohio. It has praised the bill as a great way to expand educational opportunities in Ohio and supports school choice as a way to allow parents to choose the best education for their children according to their faith and values².
• - **Gov. Mike DeWine**: He is the Republican governor of Ohio who backs the bill that would restructure the education system and make it a cabinet-level agency under his control. He has said that the bill would create more accountability and efficiency in education policy and align it with workforce development³.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Why School Choice is Roiling the GOP - U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2022-03-07/why-school-choice-is-suddenly-roiling-the-republican-party.

(2) Ohio Passes School Choice, Independence From District School Monopoly. https://www.dailysignal.com/2023/07/05/ohioans-declare-independence-district-school-monopoly/.

(3) Ohio GOP wants every K-12 student to be eligible for a school voucher. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/05/06/ohio-house-republicans-want-universal-eligibility-school-vouchers/7154944002/.

Some of the organizations that support vouchers in Ohio are:

• - **School Choice Ohio**: This is a nonprofit organization that advocates for school choice policies and programs in Ohio. It provides information and resources to parents and students about the different education options available to them, including vouchers, charter schools, online schools, homeschooling, and more. It also supports legislation that expands school choice and empowers families¹.
• - **Buckeye Institute**: This is a conservative think tank that promotes free-market solutions and limited government in Ohio. It supports school choice as a way to improve educational outcomes, foster competition and innovation, and respect parental rights. It conducts research and analysis on various school choice policies and programs, such as vouchers, tax credits, education savings accounts, and more².
• - **Ohio Catholic Conference**: This is the official representative of the Catholic Church in public affairs in Ohio. It supports school choice as a way to uphold the dignity of the human person, promote the common good, and protect religious freedom. It advocates for policies that support Catholic schools and families, such as vouchers, tax credits, scholarships, and more³.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Emergency Housing Vouchers Coming to Ohio – COHHIO. https://cohhio.org/emergency-housing-vouchers-in-arpa/.

(2) Assistance Programs - Ohio.gov. https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/residents/topic-hubs/home-and-community/assistance-programs.

(3) 7 Places to get Free Gas Cards - Free Financial Help. https://freefinancialhelp.net/free-gas-cards-for-low-income/.

(4) COHHIO – Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. https://cohhio.org/.

Some of the organizations that support charter schools and private schools in Ohio are:

• - **Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS)**: This is a nonprofit organization that engages and serves Ohio’s public charter schools and the diverse students they represent by fostering or delivering excellence in governance, steadfast advocacy, superior services, relevant professional development and customized training. It provides information, resources, and support to charter schools, parents, and students. It also advocates for policies that promote charter school quality and growth¹.
• - **EdChoice Ohio**: This is a nonprofit organization that advocates for school choice policies and programs in Ohio. It provides information and resources to parents and students about the different education options available to them, including vouchers, tax credits, charter schools, online schools, homeschooling, and more. It also supports legislation that expands school choice and empowers families².
• - **Ohio Catholic Conference**: This is the official representative of the Catholic Church in public affairs in Ohio. It supports school choice as a way to uphold the dignity of the human person, promote the common good, and protect religious freedom. It advocates for policies that support Catholic schools and families, such as vouchers, tax credits, scholarships, and more³.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) oapcs.org. https://oapcs.org/.

(2) Ohio - EdChoice. https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/state/ohio/.

(3) Ohio can't afford to prioritize private and charter schools over fully .... https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/02/10/ohio-cant-afford-to-prioritize-private-and-charter-schools-over-fully-funded-public-schools/.

(4) Private (Nonpublic) Schools – School Choice Ohio. https://scohio.org/education-options/private-schools/.

Some of the funders of school choice in Ohio are:

• - **Thomas B. Fordham Institute**: This is a conservative think tank and charter school sponsor that supports school choice policies and programs in Ohio. It conducts research and analysis on various school choice issues, such as vouchers, charter schools, accountability, and quality. It also advocates for policies that promote school choice and foster competition and innovation in education¹.
• - **Walton Family Foundation**: This is a philanthropic organization that supports school choice initiatives across the country, including in Ohio. It provides grants to various organizations that advocate for or operate school choice programs, such as vouchers, charter schools, tax credits, and education savings accounts. It also supports research and evaluation on the impact of school choice on student outcomes².
• - **Club for Growth**: This is a conservative group that supports pro-growth policies and candidates. It has been running ads against Ohio House Speaker Charles McCall, who opposes the bill that would strip the state board of education of its authority and place it under the governor. The group accuses McCall of "silencing parents" and supports school choice as a way to empower families and improve education³.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Proposals would bring dramatic change to Ohio’s voucher program. https://apnews.com/article/ohio-voucher-school-choice-funding-0f5304861d4082e572db49c4981146b1.

(2) About Us – School Choice Ohio. https://scohio.org/about/.

(3) School Choice Ohio. https://scohio.org/.

(4) Scholarship Programs (Vouchers) – School Choice Ohio. https://scohio.org/education-options/scholarship-programs/.

(5) Bill would allow all Ohio kids to attend private schools using state .... https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2021-10-07/new-bill-would-allow-all-k-12-ohio-kids-to-attend-private-schools-using-state-dollars.

Some of the other funders of school choice in Ohio are:

• - **Children's Scholarship Fund**: This is a national nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to low-income families to send their children to private schools of their choice. It partners with local organizations, such as the Northwest Ohio Scholarship Fund, to administer the scholarships and raise funds from donors¹.
• - **American Federation for Children**: This is a national advocacy organization that promotes school choice policies and programs across the country, including in Ohio. It supports candidates who are favorable to school choice, conducts public awareness campaigns, and provides information and resources to parents and students².
• - **Foundation for Excellence in Education**: This is a national nonprofit organization that supports education reform policies and initiatives, such as school choice, accountability, digital learning, and more. It provides research, analysis, advocacy, and technical assistance to policymakers and stakeholders in various states, including Ohio³.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) About Us – School Choice Ohio. https://scohio.org/about/.

(2) Ohio - EdChoice. https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/state/ohio/.

(3) The States Ranked by Spending on School Choice Programs, 2022 Edition. https://www.edchoice.org/engage/the-states-ranked-by-spending-on-school-choice-programs-2022-edition/.

(4) School Choice Ohio | Find Grantmakers & Nonprofit Funders | Foundation .... https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&key=9300013.

Some of the supporters of public education in Ohio are:

• - **Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA)**: This is an organization that engages and serves Ohio’s public school board members and the diverse districts they represent by fostering or delivering excellence in governance, steadfast advocacy, superior services, relevant professional development and customized training. OSBA has a legislative platform that states its positions on various issues facing public education and advocates for them with policymakers and the public¹.
• - **Community Relations - Advocacy**: This is a program offered by OSBA that helps board members become effective advocates for public education by providing them with tools, resources and training. The program emphasizes the link between quality public education and the economic and social health of a community and the impact of legislative mandates on student achievement².
• - **Public Education Partners**: This is a group of educators, parents and other interested parties advocating for public education in Ohio. The group supports adequate and equitable funding for public schools, opposes vouchers and charter schools that divert funds from public education, and promotes transparency and accountability in education policy. The group is also involved in litigation against the state over the legality of voucher programs³⁴.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Legislative Platform | Ohio School Boards Association. https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/legislative-platform.

(2) Community Relations - Advocacy | Ohio School Boards Association. https://www.ohioschoolboards.org/community-relations-advocacy.

(3) Ohio public schools sue, challenge legality of voucher programs. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/01/04/ohio-public-schools-sue-challenge-legality-voucher-programs/9080263002/.

(4) Opinion: What is Senate Bill 11. What will it do to public schools?. https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2023/03/22/opinion-ohio-school-vouchers-what-is-senate-bill-11-what-will-it-do-to-public-schools-edchoice/69964355007/.

READING FOR FUN? NO LONGER FUN! SAY WHAT?

 

READING FOR FUN?  NO LONGER FUN! SAY WHAT?

It seems that reading for fun has become a thing of the past. According to recent reports, US students are experiencing a "crisis" when it comes to reading for pleasure. But why is this happening? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

First of all, let's talk about why reading for fun is important. Not only does it help improve your mental health by reducing stress and stimulating your brain, but it also exposes you to new topics, perspectives, and cultures. Plus, it's a great way to expand your vocabulary and learn more about yourself. And let's not forget the most important benefit of all - it's fun!

But despite all these benefits, it seems that fewer and fewer students are picking up a book just for the sake of enjoyment. According to the Nation's Report Card, only 14 percent of 13-year-olds and 11 percent of 17-year-olds reported reading for fun on their own time almost every day in 2020. That's lower than in previous years and even lower than the percentage of 9-year-olds who read for fun almost every day (a whopping 42 percent).

So what's the problem? Is it that students are too busy with schoolwork and extracurricular activities? Are they too distracted by technology and social media? Or maybe they just haven't found the right book yet?

Whatever the reason may be, we need to find a way to get students excited about reading again. One solution could be to recommend books that are both entertaining and educational. For example, why not try a humorous memoir like Tina Fey's "Bossypants" or a science fiction novel like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? These types of books are not only fun to read, but they also offer valuable insights and perspectives.

Another solution could be to make reading more social. Start a book club with your friends or join an online community where you can discuss your favorite books with other readers. Not only will this make reading more enjoyable, but it will also help you stay motivated and accountable.

And finally, let's not forget that reading for fun should be just that - fun! Don't force yourself to read something you don't enjoy just because you think you should. There are plenty of books out there that cater to every interest and taste. Whether you prefer romance, mystery, fantasy, or non-fiction, there's something out there for everyone.

In conclusion, reading for fun is an important activity that should not be overlooked. It offers numerous benefits for both your personal and academic life, and most importantly, it's a great way to have a good time. So go ahead, pick up a book, and let yourself get lost in a world of words. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite author or genre. And if all else fails, there's always the comic book section. Happy reading!

Reading for fun plunges to 'crisis' level for US students https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4093843-reading-for-fun-plunges-to-crisis-level-for-us-students/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

Reading for fun is a wonderful activity that can have many benefits for your personal and academic life. According to various sources, some of the benefits of reading for fun are:

• - Reading can help you improve your mental health by reducing stress, enhancing empathy, and stimulating your brain¹².
• - Reading can help you learn new things by exposing you to different topics, perspectives, and cultures¹²³.
• - Reading can improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words and expressions¹²³.
• - Reading can help you learn more about yourself by allowing you to reflect on your own experiences, values, and goals¹².
• - Reading can be fun by engaging your imagination, curiosity, and emotions¹⁴.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) The Benefits of Reading for Fun - The Edvocate. https://www.theedadvocate.org/the-benefits-of-reading-for-fun/.

(2) The Benefits of Reading for Fun - Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-reading-fun.

(3) The Benefits of Reading for Pleasure | Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-reading-pleasure.

(4) The Benefits of Reading for Fun. https://www.thereadingtutor.com/single-post/the-benefits-of-reading-for-fun.

According to the **Nation's Report Card**, which is based on the **National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)**, only **14 percent** of 13-year-old students and **11 percent** of 17-year-old students reported reading for fun on their own time almost every day in 2020¹. These percentages were lower than in previous years and lower than the percentages for 9-year-old students, who reported reading for fun almost every day at **42 percent**¹.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) NAEP Long-term Trends: Reading: Student Experiences - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/ltt/reading/student-experiences/?age=9.

(2) The Nation's Report Card | NAEP - National Center for Education .... https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/.

(3) NAEP Reading: Reading Results - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/.

(4) The Nation's Report Card. http://www.nationsreportcard.gov/.

(5) NAEP Reading: Reading Highlights 2022 - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/reading/2022/.

FEARLESS LEADER RYAN WALTERS SAY TO WORK AT OSDE YOU GOTTA BE MAGA

 

FEARLESS LEADER RYAN WALTERS SAY TO WORK AT OSDE YOU GOTTA BE MAGA 

Fearless Leader Ryan Walters, AKA Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Education, has demanded that all job applicants take a loyalty oath to support his policies. Yes, you read that right. A loyalty oath. In 2023. 

Now, I don't know about you, but the last time I heard about a loyalty oath was in some dystopian novel where the government had taken over and was forcing its citizens to swear allegiance to the regime. But apparently, this is now a thing in Oklahoma. 

According to reports, job applicants are being asked if they support Superintendent Walters and his initiatives. But when asked to clarify what those initiatives are, the applicants are left scratching their heads. Because apparently, even the people who work for the guy don't know what his policies are. 

OSDE applicant pre-screening questions. Photo courtesy: Michelle Strain.

One applicant was quoted as saying, "We haven't been allowed to do social emotional learning here or talk about it really. We've had to remove it from our presentations, our digital resources." Is this appropriate? Is this legal? Who knows? But it's definitely not funny. 

So let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of Fearless Leader Ryan Walters. He's demanding loyalty from his employees without even telling them what they're being loyal to. It's like asking someone to swear allegiance to a blank sheet of paper. 

But fear not, my fellow Oklahomans. I have a plan. We should all show up at the next job interview with a loyalty oath of our own. It would go something like this: 

"I pledge my undying allegiance to the great state of Oklahoma and its people. I promise to always put their needs first, to work tirelessly for their betterment, and to never ask them to swear loyalty to me without first telling them what they're swearing loyalty to. So help me God." 

Boom. Problem solved. We can all go back to our jobs knowing that we're not blindly following some politician's whims without knowing what they are. 

In all seriousness though, this is a troubling trend that we're seeing across the country. Politicians are demanding loyalty from their employees and constituents without giving them any reason to be loyal in the first place. It's a slippery slope that can lead to some very dark places. 

So let's all take a stand against this kind of behavior. Let's demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials. And let's never forget that our loyalty should always be to the people we serve, not the other way around.

OSDE allegedly asks applicants political, loyalty based questions in pre-screening interview https://kfor.com/news/local/osde-allegedly-asks-applicants-political-loyalty-based-questions-in-pre-screening-interview/ 

Oklahoma Students Explain The Tulsa Race Massacre https://www.theonion.com/oklahoma-students-explain-the-tulsa-race-massacre-1850632258 

THE DEFT DIVE

Some information about Ryan Walters, the current Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Here are some facts I found from my web search:

• - Ryan Walters was born on May 23, 1985 in McAlester, Oklahoma².
• - He has a BA degree from Harding University and taught history at McAlester High School for eight years¹².
• - He was a finalist for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2016 and served on various state commissions related to education².
• - He was the executive director of Oklahoma Achieves and Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, two nonprofit organizations that advocated for school choice and parental involvement in education²³.
• - He was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt as the Secretary of Education of Oklahoma in September 2020 and served until April 2023² .
• - He was elected as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in November 2022, defeating Democrat Jena Nelson with 57% of the vote³⁴.
• - He supports school choice, funding students instead of systems, and fighting against "left-wing indoctrination" in schools³⁴.

Some of the controversies and scandals that have been reported since he was appointed are:

• - A federal audit found that the Bridge the Gap program that he oversaw as Secretary of Education had few safeguards to prevent fraud or abuse and that COVID-19 relief money was distributed through the program without proper oversight.
• - House Democrats called for his resignation over the audit findings, but Governor Stitt defended him and praised his work.
• - It was revealed that he remained the executive director of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma while serving as Secretary of Education and received a higher salary from the nonprofit than from the state. The nonprofit was funded by national groups that supported school privatization and charter school expansion, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Ryan Walters (politician) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Walters_%28politician%29.

(2) State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Ryan Walters. https://sde.ok.gov/superintendent-public-instruction-ryan-walters.

(3) Ryan Walters elected as Oklahoma's next schools superintendent. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/elections/state/2022/11/09/ryan-walters-beat-jena-nelson-to-take-oklahoma-schools-superintendent/69611621007/.

(4) Election 2022: Ryan Walters wins race for State Superintendent. https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/election-2022-jena-nelson-ryan-walters-race-for-state-superintendent.

Some of his supporters are:

• - Governor Kevin Stitt, who appointed him as Secretary of Education and endorsed him for State Superintendent¹.
• - The Republican Party of Oklahoma, which nominated him as their candidate for State Superintendent and praised his victory².
• - The State Chamber of Oklahoma, which hired him as the executive director of Oklahoma Achieves and supported his school choice agenda³.
• - The Walton Family Foundation and other national groups that funded Every Kid Counts Oklahoma and advocated for school privatization and charter school expansion⁴.

Some of his critics are:

• - House Democrats, who called for his resignation over the federal audit of the Bridge the Gap program and accused him of mismanaging federal funds.
• - The Oklahoma Education Association, which represents public school teachers and opposed his stance on House Bill 1775, which bans teaching certain concepts about race and gender.
• - The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, which condemned his comments about the Tulsa Race Massacre and said they were "inaccurate and insensitive".
• - Educators and parents who expressed frustration with his "dangerous" rhetoric and his promotion of a video that claimed public schools were indoctrinating students with leftist ideology.

Bing, 7/13/2023

(1) Ryan Walters hits back at critics, says his comments about Tulsa Race .... https://news.yahoo.com/ryan-walters-hits-back-critics-035500453.html.

(2) We fact-checked Ryan Walters on misspent federal money and more claims .... https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/we-fact-checked-ryan-walters-on-misspent-federal-money-and-more-claims/.

(3) Superintendent Ryan Walters resigns from pro-school choice nonprofit. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/01/09/superintendent-ryan-walters-resigns-from-pro-school-choice-nonprofit/69791290007/.

(4) Educators, parents frustrated w/Superintendent Walters’ “dangerous .... https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/video-shown-by-ryan-walters-at-boe-meeting-garners-backlash.

DIANE RAVITCH: THE WONDER WOMAN OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

DIANE RAVITCH: THE WONDER WOMAN OF PUBLIC EDUCATION

Are you tired of boring education reform discussions? Look no further than Diane Ravitch! Who is she, you ask? Well, she's a historian of education, an educational policy analyst, and a former research professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. But that's not even the best part! She's also a hilarious, witty, and passionate defender of public education.

Why should you know, read her books, and follow her daily on her blog? Because she's the rock that opposes privatization and corporate education reform. Her major objection? Privatization and corporate reform. But don't let that fool you into thinking she's a boring old academic. She's a firecracker who knows how to make you laugh while also educating you on the importance of public education.

Ravitch has written many books on education, such as The Death and Life of the Great American School System, Reign of Error, and Slaying Goliath. But don't let those titles scare you away! They're not as boring as they sound. In fact, they're full of hilarious anecdotes and witty commentary that will keep you entertained while also educating you on the importance of public education.

Ravitch is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in education today. She's received many awards and honors for her work, such as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize, the John Dewey Award, and the NEA Friend of Education Award. But don't let those accolades fool you into thinking she's stuffy and boring. She's a straight shooter who knows how to tell it like it is.

So why is Ravitch so important to opposing corporate education reform and privatization of the public education system in America and the world? Because she's a vocal and influential critic of these policies and practices. She's used her expertise, experience, and evidence to expose the flaws and harms of the corporate reform agenda, which she argues is based on myths, lies, and hoaxes. And she does it all with a sense of humor that will have you laughing out loud.

Some of the main points that Ravitch has made against corporate education reform and privatization are:

• - Corporate reformers claim that public schools are failing and that the only way to fix them is to introduce market-based reforms, such as high-stakes testing, charter schools, vouchers, merit pay, and online learning. However, Ravitch shows that these claims are not supported by facts or research. She demonstrates that public schools are not failing, but rather have improved over time in terms of graduation rates, test scores, and achievement gaps. She also shows that the market-based reforms have not improved student outcomes, but rather have increased segregation, inequality, corruption, fraud, and waste.
• - Corporate reformers argue that public schools are obsolete and that they need to be reimagined by technology companies and philanthropists, such as Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt. However, Ravitch warns that these actors have ulterior motives and agendas that are not aligned with the public interest or the needs of students. She reveals how these actors have used their money and influence to impose their ideas and products on public schools without democratic input or accountability. She also exposes how these actors have collected and exploited students' personal data for their own benefit.
• - Corporate reformers assert that public schools are monopolies that stifle innovation and choice, and that they need to be disrupted by competition and privatization. However, Ravitch contends that public schools are not monopolies, but rather public goods that serve the common good. She argues that public schools are essential for democracy and social cohesion, and that they need to be supported and strengthened by public investment and collaboration. She also maintains that public schools are the most innovative and diverse institutions in the country, and that they offer more choices and opportunities than private alternatives.

Ravitch has been a leader and an inspiration for many public education advocates who have resisted corporate education reform and privatization. She's helped to create a network of grassroots movements that have challenged the corporate reformers at the local, state, and national levels. And she's done it all with a sense of humor that will have you laughing even while you're fighting for better education for all.

So if you're tired of boring education discussions and want to learn more about why public education is so important, check out Diane Ravitch's books and blog. You won't be disappointed!

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all https://dianeravitch.net/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

Diane Ravitch is a prominent figure in the field of education. She is a historian of education, an educational policy analyst, and a former research professor at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development¹. She has also served as a U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H. W. Bush and as a member of the National Assessment Governing Board under President Bill Clinton¹.

Ravitch has played various roles in education, ranging from a supporter of standards and accountability to a critic of high-stakes testing and privatization. She has written many books and articles on education, such as The Death and Life of the Great American School System, Reign of Error, and Slaying Goliath². She is also the founder and president of the Network for Public Education, a non-profit organization that advocates for public schools and opposes corporate reforms²³.

Ravitch is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in education today. She has received many awards and honors for her work, such as the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Prize, the John Dewey Award, and the NEA Friend of Education Award². She also runs a popular blog where she posts daily about current issues and trends in education². She is a passionate defender of public education and a fierce opponent of those who seek to undermine it..

Bing, 7/12/2023

(1) Diane Ravitch - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Ravitch.

(2) Diane Ravitch – Research Professor of Education at New York University .... https://dianeravitch.com/.

(3) About Diane - Diane Ravitch. https://dianeravitch.com/about-diane/.

(4) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/former-u-s-assistant-secretary-of-education-diane-ravitch-news-photo/182961878.

Diane Ravitch has been so important to opposing corporate education reform and privatization of the public education system in America and the world because she has been a vocal and influential critic of these policies and practices. She has used her expertise, experience, and evidence to expose the flaws and harms of the corporate reform agenda, which she argues is based on myths, lies, and hoaxes. She has also offered alternative solutions and visions for improving public education based on democratic principles, social justice, and professional standards¹².

Some of the main points that Ravitch has made against corporate education reform and privatization are:

• - Corporate reformers claim that public schools are failing and that the only way to fix them is to introduce market-based reforms, such as high-stakes testing, charter schools, vouchers, merit pay, and online learning. However, Ravitch shows that these claims are not supported by facts or research. She demonstrates that public schools are not failing, but rather have improved over time in terms of graduation rates, test scores, and achievement gaps. She also shows that the market-based reforms have not improved student outcomes, but rather have increased segregation, inequality, corruption, fraud, and waste¹².
• - Corporate reformers argue that public schools are obsolete and that they need to be reimagined by technology companies and philanthropists, such as Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt. However, Ravitch warns that these actors have ulterior motives and agendas that are not aligned with the public interest or the needs of students. She reveals how these actors have used their money and influence to impose their ideas and products on public schools without democratic input or accountability. She also exposes how these actors have collected and exploited students' personal data for their own benefit²³.
• - Corporate reformers assert that public schools are monopolies that stifle innovation and choice, and that they need to be disrupted by competition and privatization. However, Ravitch contends that public schools are not monopolies, but rather public goods that serve the common good. She argues that public schools are essential for democracy and social cohesion, and that they need to be supported and strengthened by public investment and collaboration. She also maintains that public schools are the most innovative and diverse institutions in the country, and that they offer more choices and opportunities than private alternatives¹²⁴.
• - Privatization and corporate education reform are based on false assumptions and misleading data that do not reflect the reality and complexity of public education. They ignore the effects of poverty, inequality, and social factors on student achievement and well-being. They also disregard the evidence and research that show that their policies and practices are ineffective, harmful, or counterproductive .
• - Privatization and corporate education reform are driven by profit motives and ideological agendas that are not aligned with the public interest or the needs of students. They seek to undermine public education as a public good and a democratic right, and to replace it with a market-based system that favors private interests and elites. They also exploit students' personal data and information for their own benefit, without regard for privacy, security, or ethics .
• - Privatization and corporate education reform are harmful to students, teachers, schools, and communities. They create a culture of testing, competition, and punishment that narrows the curriculum, stifles creativity, and demoralizes teachers. They also increase segregation, inequality, and instability in the education system, by diverting resources and opportunities away from public schools and towards private alternatives that are unaccountable, unregulated, or fraudulent  .

Ravitch has been a leader and an inspiration for many public education advocates who have resisted corporate education reform and privatization. She has helped to create a network of grassroots movements that have challenged the corporate reformers at the local, state, and national levels. She has also given voice to the students, teachers, parents, and communities who have been marginalized and harmed by the corporate reform agenda². She has been a slayer of Goliath in the fight to save America's public schools².

Bing, 7/12/2023

(1) 'Reign of Error': The Context for Corporate Education Reform. https://www.commondreams.org/views/2013/09/18/reign-error-context-corporate-education-reform.

(2) Diane Ravitch on Pandemic School Privatization - FAIR. https://fair.org/home/diane-ravitch-on-pandemic-school-privatization/.

(3) ‘Slaying Goliath’: Diane Ravitch argues public education advocates have .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/01/21/slaying-goliath-diane-ravitch-argues-new-book-that-public-education-advocates-have-beat-back-efforts-privatize-schools/.

(4) Diane Ravitch on Real Education Reform - The Century Foundation. https://tcf.org/content/commentary/diane-ravitch-on-real-education-reform/.

(5) undefined. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385350880?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeA.

BOOKS SHE HAS WRITTEN: 

• - **Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America's Public Schools** (2020): This book is a celebration of the grassroots movement that has emerged to defend public education from the corporate reformers who seek to undermine it. Ravitch tells the stories of teachers, parents, students, and activists who have fought back against the billionaires, politicians, and ideologues who have tried to impose their agenda of high-stakes testing, charter schools, vouchers, and online learning. She argues that public schools are essential for democracy and social justice, and that they can be improved by investing in them, not by privatizing them².
• - **Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools** (2013): This book is a powerful critique of the myths and lies that have been used to justify the assault on public education. Ravitch exposes the false claims of the reformers, such as that test scores are declining, that poverty is irrelevant, that charter schools are superior, and that teachers are the main problem. She also offers a positive vision for improving public schools based on evidence, experience, and common sense².
• - **The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education** (2010): This book is a personal and professional memoir of Ravitch's journey from being a supporter of standards and accountability to becoming a critic of the same policies. She explains how she came to realize that the reforms she once advocated were harming students, teachers, and schools. She also analyzes the flaws and failures of the current reform movement, such as its obsession with test scores, its disregard for curriculum, its promotion of choice and competition, and its reliance on market forces².
• - **The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn** (2003): This book is a shocking expose of how censorship and political correctness have distorted the content and quality of textbooks and tests. Ravitch reveals how various interest groups have influenced what students can read, write, and think about in school. She shows how these groups have imposed their own agendas and biases on educational materials, resulting in bland, inaccurate, and misleading texts that fail to educate students².
• - **Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms** (2000): This book is a comprehensive history of American education in the twentieth century. Ravitch traces the origins and consequences of the major debates and controversies that have shaped educational policy and practice. She examines how different ideologies and movements have influenced the goals and methods of schooling, such as progressivism, social efficiency, essentialism, multiculturalism, standards, and choice. She also evaluates the outcomes and impacts of these reforms on student achievement and social equity².

She is a very prolific and influential author who has contributed a lot to the field of education. If you are interested in reading any of her books, you can find them on [Amazon](^3^) or [Goodreads](^2^). 😊

Bing, 7/12/2023

(1) Books by Diane Ravitch (Author of The Death and Life of the Great .... https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/58511.Diane_Ravitch.

(2) Amazon.com: Diane Ravitch: books, biography, latest update. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Diane%20Ravitch/author/B001ILMA4E.

(3) Books by Diane Ravitch (Author of The Death and Life of the Great .... https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/58511.Diane_Ravitch.

(4) Books / Diane Ravitch. https://bing.com/search?q=Diane+Ravitch+books.

(5) Diane Ravitch | The New York Review of Books. https://www.nybooks.com/contributors/diane-ravitch/.

(6) The Dark History of School Choice | Diane Ravitch. https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2021/01/14/the-dark-history-of-school-choice/.

(7) About Diane - Diane Ravitch. https://dianeravitch.com/about-diane/.

Diane Ravitch has written 51 books on education and related topics². Here is a list of all her books by year, from the most recent to the oldest:

• - Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America's Public Schools (2020)
• - The Wisdom and Wit of Diane Ravitch (2019)
• - The Ravitch Reader: Selected Writings on Education (2019)
• - EdSpeak and Doubletalk: A Glossary to Decipher Hypocrisy and Save Public Schooling (2019, co-authored with Nancy E. Bailey)
• - Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools (2013)
• - The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010)
• - The English Reader: What Every Literate Person Needs to Know (2006, co-edited with Michael Ravitch)
• - The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn (2003)
• - Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms (2000)
• - National Standards in American Education: A Citizen's Guide (1995, revised edition 1996)
• - What Do Our 17-Year-Olds Know? A Report on the First National Assessment of History and Literature (1987, co-authored with Chester E. Finn Jr.)
• - The Troubled Crusade: American Education, 1945-1980 (1983)
• - The Revisionists Revised: A Critique of the Radical Attack on the Schools (1978)
• - The Great School Wars: A History of the New York City Public Schools (1974, revised edition 2000)

Bing, 7/12/2023

(1) Diane Ravitch (Author of The Death and Life of the Great American .... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58511.Diane_Ravitch.

(2) Diane Ravitch (Author of The Death and Life of the Great American .... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58511.Diane_Ravitch.

(3) About Diane - Diane Ravitch. https://dianeravitch.com/about-diane/.

(4) Books by Diane Ravitch (Author of The Death and Life of the Great .... https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/58511.Diane_Ravitch.

(5) Diane Ravitch | Hopkins Press. https://press.jhu.edu/books/authors/diane-ravitch.

(6) Articles - Diane Ravitch. https://dianeravitch.com/articles/.

(7) undefined. https://dianeravitch.net/.