How, And How Much, Do Schools Matter?
On Friday, November 5, the Progressive Policy Institute is hosting a luncheon debate featuring Richard Rothstein of Columbia University and author of Class and Schools: Using Social, Economic, and Educational Reform to Close the Black-White Achievement Gap and Ross Weiner, Policy Director for the Education Trust. Jay Mathews of The Washington Post will moderate.
It’s a great chance to hear two influential policy analysts discuss and debate important questions about just what we can, and cannot expect from schools and how, accordingly, policymakers should proceed. It’s from Noon – 2PM at PPI’s offices in Washington.
For more information or to RSVP (required) please email “education AT dlcppi.org”.
Is Anything More Annoying Than A Good Example?
Another good example from Michigan, how frustrating…
Still More San Diego
San Diego reporter Jim Trageser hits it out of the park on the situation in San Diego. Nut grafs:
No one claims [San Diego Superintendent Alan] Bersin has been perfect, but he has put forth thoughtful, meaningful proposals to try to shake up a system that has too long focused its energies on affluent white students to the detriment of low-income students. Those who claim his proposals are harmful ought to engage in the process in a civil, adult manner, presenting their own ideas —- not simply condemning everything they disagree with as “Nazi.”
There is more, worth reading.
Goose Moose Hunting
Be sure to check out the link at left and visit the Bull Moose, an interesting take on progressive politics.
The Evil Empire Investigated?
Representative George Miller (D-CA) the ranking Democrat on the House Education and Workforce Committee is calling for an investigation of Department of Education grants to Bill Bennett’s K-12 company and to ABCTE.
On the former, who knows, but it sure seems fishy. On the latter, likely a dry well. ABCTE is producing good work and moving forward, it’s only the politics that are tripping them up.
Last week Democratic Senators Kennedy (MA) and Lautenberg (NJ) called for a GAO look at the Department of Education’s media advertising and watching project.
The Evil Empire Defeated
The good guys win one. Not unlike education, it takes more than money…
Cross on ED
Are you a junkie for information about the U.S. Department of Education, and c’mon, who isn’t? Then this Ed Week essay by Chris Cross is for you. Pegged to the Dept.’s 25th anniversary it’s a good look at the history and politics of its inception.
A Dingo Ate My Blog!
There’s a new education blog from Australia but focusing on issues here, too. Its author, a former teacher, writes asking for a link but advises us to dismiss it with sweeping condemnation because of its libertarian bent.
On the contrary, the more the merrier. Though more edublogs on the center-left and left would be very welcome.
BoardBuzz Silence Watch Day 7
Boardbuzz broke their silence yesterday, but basically they write this off as poking fun at a public official who says something stupid when in fact it’s a bright-line example of the zealous ideology that too often clouds education policymaking. So, the referees are ruling it insufficient because it entirely dodges the point and the CD giveaway contest continues (unless you guessed yesterday in which case you’re free to appeal).
Incidentally, you all are a cynical bunch. Lots of contest entries about Fridays, days before holidays, and other “Jo Moore” days as Kaus would call them.
Incidentally II, Boardbuzz chides Edu Commentary for highlighting studies that show charters schools are doing some good. True enough. But we also hightlight studies showing when they’re not and point out other problems in our work. We’re breathlessly awaiting similar balance….