When will they (we) ever learn?

And see comments, especially by John Merrow pointing to the many times he raised red flags that went unheeded.

I worry that the next “reform” bubble that will eventually burst, after it damages our schools and students, is the push to put a lap top in front of every little child in the name of “personalized instruction” and 21st century whatever. Where’s objective data to support this costly venture–that’s being pushed by sellers and their hype. Why are critics sidelined? Yet again.

When will we ever learn that if something looks too good to be true, it’s probably not.

https://medium.com/@miriamkfreedman/why-i-am-an-optimist-about-fixing-special-education-4c3a09cccae

In the piece, I write that when the public learns what’s really going on in our schools–step by step–and when they’ve finally had enough–change will happen–and happen fast! The article lays out several areas of deep concern and sketches three broad solutions.

Please feel free to share and repost this piece. The more the better!

An unlikely pair–Jamie and Diane. Thanks for the pickup, Diane.

They agree that we need to bring back real literature for our children. The Common Core’s “Informational texts” are a poor substitute. They do and have already led to declines in student achievement–the dumbing down of America.

Bring back Frankenstein!

https://dianeravitch.net/2018/03/15/jamie-gass-frankenstein-lost-to-common-core/

Thanks you Jamie and Diane!

Alan Patton wrote a novel, Cry the Beloved Country about South Africa in 1948. Today I cry for our country because it is filled with hatred, vitriol, and voices that do not hear (and have no interest to hear) each other. Where does this all go?

In this article, we’re talking about schools–the one public connector we have always had.

I listened to the 60 Minutes Leslie Stahl interview of Betsy Devos–in disappointment, both for the questions and answers. The questions were surprisingly off-target “gotcha” questions that lacked substance. Many of the the answers lacked specifics.

But my tears flow when I read the comments this article garnered. They are filled with namecalling, vitriol. condescension, nastiness, questioning IQs, lacking humanity, etc. Is this the Washington Post? or am I reading it all wrong so there’s no need for tears? your thoughts.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2018/03/12/education-secretary-betsy-devos-stumbles-during-pointed-60-minutes-interview/?utm_term=.c500cbf4cbf8

https://education-reimagined.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/A-Transformational-Vision-for-Education-in-the-US-2015-09.pdfI

Read it and pass it on!

I loved this paper! I loved the idea that a group of people from diverse background –all around the country, schools, businesses, teachers, and foundations– are getting together to give their best ideas for reimagining our schools. It’s an easy wonderful read–even though it got a into the weeds a little in the 10 pages of text.

It’s attractive, smart, and hopefully–will spur conversation. Congratulations!