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The New York Times today reports that groups of New York City parents are boycotting sampling tests. These tests that children take--about reading, writing, and arithmetic, etc.--are samples for those that will be used to evaluate teachers and schools, among other purposes. But wait! There's a real reason to question the use of these tests to evaluate schools and teachers. That reason? They are NOT VALID for that purpose. It is a misuse of them--since these tests are designed to see [...]

Yes! it's not a typo. Joanne Jacobs picked up a good piece about what it takes to be an 'education parent,' a parent that supports children in their learning. I love it! I believe that--to improve learning for general and special education students, we need 'education parents.' It almost doesn't matter if the specifics in this piece are the 'right' ones. What matters is that we focus in the role parents can play in their children's education. Thus, I was very glad to see this piece.

Did you hear it? Often? One surprise in Tuesday’s Presidential debate between President Obama and Governor Romney? The mention of education over and over and over again…. And even the mention of special education and children with disabilities, including autism several times. HMMM. See, for example, Joanne Jacob’s write up. I, for one, am glad that the issue is getting play nationally. Reforming special education is a vital part of ed reform. As my loyal readers and fellow reformers [...]

I knew. My brother and I were immigrants to New Jersey in the 1950's. We worked hard in school and did very well. And, yes, that status--of not quite fitting in and wanting to--was a great motivator. I'm glad to see that it's still so for this generation of immigrants.

Today's New York Times carries an interesting story about the upcoming referendum in Idaho dealing with public schools and teacher unions. Some of the issues are unique to that state--others are echoes of what we have seen elsewhere. The dispute sounds rather fierce.... The line that stuck with me is this, "Some district administrators say they fear that in their bloodletting both sides are forgetting the students." Ah, that seems to be going on in lots of education disputes. As I've [...]

It's about time. Many of us know and are troubled by it--we have left the top half of our classes behind in our effort to bring up the bottom half. Yet, noone likes to talk about this, apparently, as it's viewed as elitist... And, alas, many people believe that these students, often called gifted and talented (a label I do not like!) will be OK on their own, even without focus and effort and support by our schools. Well, it ain't so. I applaud Chester Finn for putting this vital issue [...]

Hello again! Hello, hello.... For my loyal readers and fellow travelers in the world of education and school reform, I'm glad to say that I'm back! As I look back, I've had no entries since July 16-- Wow! Life got in the way, if you know what I mean. It happens to all of us from time to time, I'm sure. Now, I'll start sharing my education readings and ideas with you in future blogs--more or less on a weekly basis. As you know my focus is on reforming special education--but we take [...]

My piece, Special education in California needs more flexibility. was published today. Happy reading. I'd love your comments.

On fixing special education, check out this article in today's Deseret News. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865557378/Mitt-Romneys-plan-for-fixing-special-education.html http://legalnews.findlaw.com/article/08ja6XZbis2zH?q=Mitt+Romney Onward and upward. Let's fix this broken system.

Here's my latest blog in EducationNews.org--it's all about the need for flexibility in special education, so we can focus on teaching and learning--not compliance and litigation. http://www.educationnews.org/education-policy-and-politics/miriam-k-freedman-special-ed-needs-flexibility-to-build-trust-improve-outcomes/