Latest News and Comment from Education

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

5-13-14 Schools Matter

Schools Matter:





Brown is Dying, and Friedman Lives On
In 1954 SCOTUS declared in a 9-0 decision that separate schools are inherently unequal.  And thus began the beginning of the end for Jim Crow.  But Old Jim has proven to be very resilient, and even today his grandson, James Crow, Jr. Esq. continues the racist work of his grandfather.   Old Jim has had many allies between the segregated schools of the 1950s and the segregated schools of the 2010s.O


No Oversight for Pennsylvania's Billion Dollar a Year Charter Industry
While the profiteers and privatizers threaten, demean, and berate students and teachers for more accountability, the Vampire Squid unleashed by billionaires has its blood funnel deep into the public jugular of Philadelphia.  As public schools re-use copy paper and shutter libraries and fire counselors, the billionaires and hedge funders walk away with state government and handsome profits.  When w


No Child Left Behind Documentary
This film was produced by Lerone Wilson on a shoestring budget -too bad, it's taken more than 10 years for the rest of the nation to catch on.So much damage has been done because of high stakes standardized testing.Only two students this week at my school threatened to commit suicide.Could it be related to the NJ Ask Test?Perhaps someone should "ask" those students.


Responding to Joanne Jacobs on Her KIPP "Character" Defense
Joanne Jacobs applies her own distinct brand of mild mommish corporate apologia to defend against the insightful essay last week by Jeff Snyder on KIPP's "value-free" character indoctrination program developed by Dr. Martin Seligman and Dave Levin.  In fact, Joanne would be entirely on board if Dave and Marty would add "citizenship" to grit, zest, self-control, optimism, gratit


5-11-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: KIPP Pre-Ks With 8-9 Hour DaysKIPP's segregated charter reform schools are widely known for their 10 hour days, plus 2 hours of homework each night.  With tons of federal cash soon up for grabs for those who promise to replace the effect of poverty with cultural and character sterilization programs, KIPP has plans to take the lead in the 3-4 year old market.  KIPP would like to sta