• Check out today’s EducationNews.org!

    Fixing Special Education-- check it out in today's Educationnews.org "Commentary." This is the follow-up interview. It focuses on how the book is doing and how it's being used in upcoming programs around the country. As well, some clarifications and next steps. Fun! (Miriam's 2nd interview about Fixing Special Education)Your thoughts?
  • Reminds me of song, “Promises, Promises…”

    ...stop making promises."Common sense has always known that promises made far into the future will be painful in the future. So, here is the Boston Globe's report of runaway health care costs in Massachusetts. And we all know it's not just Massachusetts. And in education, we now have stories that once the stimulus funds leave special ed and other programs, many schools will be stuck with promises they made based on those funds which may not be there next year, etc. etc. etc.(future health [...]
  • Diane Ravitch’s new book–I can’t wait to read it!

    Have you seen it yet? Have you read it yet? The Death and Life of the Great American School System-- How Testing and Choice are Undermining Education. That subtitle really got me. Here's the link to the Washington Post piece about it. And, the Amazon link to the book. It's on my to-do list for today!(Diane Ravitch's new book)(Amazon link for Death and Life of the Great American School System)
  • The new and improved SpedEx is up and running!

    SpedEx-- Massachusetts' new and innovative dispute resolution model is up and running! Congratulations to all who worked tirelessly to reach this day.SpedEx is designed to resolve disputes between schools and parents after an IEP (Individualized Education Program) has been rejected or a hearing has been requested. It is a voluntary program, whereby the child will be assured a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the Least restrictive environment (LRE) in an expeditious and trust [...]
  • “The interests of teachers and children are not the same.”

    The move is on--as teachers are laid off, it's last hired, first fired. There is movement to change that. The other side? Seniority rules and teachers unions, claiming it's the only objective standard. I'm amazed that this story has gotten so far--in the Wall Street Journal. I was struck by the last line, stating that when it comes to key union contract provisions, like seniority, "the interests of teachers and children are not the same." How sad is that. That says it all, really. Check [...]
  • Still the Most Commented, in case you missed it!

    My interview with Education News at (Fixing Special Education) is still the "Most Commented!" Check it out in case you missed it. It's in two parts.... Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.Onward and upward to FIX our broken special education system.
  • Down with parents?! A provocative title, Jay Mathews.

    By now, you've heard of that California law whereby a vote of 51% of parents in a school can close that school, change that school, fire staff, etc.(Down with parents)Jay Mathews raises some concerns about it. A thought provoking and interesting read. And frankly, I am not sure how this should be handled....My concern is the following--one I've raised many times before. When are we finally going to use 'common sense' and create a law/policy/bully pulpit so schools and parents have to work [...]
  • Jay Mathews’ column: Teachers matter more than polls.

    The column deals with controversies in Washington DC. However, if we can strip away those politics, this column makes sense beyond that city. In schools, teachers matter the most. We should focus all policies and practices on improving teaching and learning...Success breeds support. Support the teachers in classrooms. Leave them free to teach. Why is that so complicated?(Teachers matter more than polls)
  • Great Valentine’s Day Story!

    A drop out program that's working at Charlestown H.S. in Boston. Good teaching. Motivated students. Academic and non academic standards. A beatiful story.(Drop out program focused on learning that's working)
  • Virtual schools…

    Interesting piece by Jay Mathews... Yes, virtual schools may be growing because they are cost effective, but I think there's lots more to it. Are people going to virtual schools also because the public schools often do not provide for their children? Consider the NCLB's focus on closing gaps for those without basic skills-- to a rather mediocre middle. Well, what about the top half? What focus is there for them? Maybe that is part of the reason.Also, consider the student discipline issues [...]