Blog

(Joanne Jacobs summarizes reviews of Diane Ravitch's new book). I just got the book! It's turning out to be a must-read for those of us interested in improving public education for all students. As a history major and former 'social studies' teacher, I do look forward to reading the historical perspective--and to understanding how one education leader came to change her views on education reform.

As you may remember, I was interviewed by EducationNews.org before New Year about my new book, Fixing Special Education--12 Steps to Transform a Broken System.It's time to celebrate what's right and fix what's wrong. Well, that interview/commentary became the 'most commented' and 'most popular' for several months! That positive response was awesome! I do believe this discussion gives voice to many folks who have been silent, even as they know the system is broken. So, today the follow-up [...]

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?

...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 [...]

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)

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 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 [...]

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.

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 [...]

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)