It requires an educational program reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. In light of the current administration’s push for school choice in the form of vouchers and charter schools, and the selection of Betsy DeVos to be education secretary, […]
Educating Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos does not understand what it is like to teach in any school let alone poor public schools. She does not understand what the lives of real teachers and students are like. She does not understand the problems facing many of America’s children. These problems won’t be solved with a voucher. They also won’t […]
When P.E. and 12 Other Activities Masquerade as Recess
As state legislatures make mandates claiming to secure recess in schools, it is important to nail down what they mean when they define recess. There are a lot of canned activities and commercialized gimmicks parading as recess. It is important not to be duped into thinking your child is getting recess when they aren’t. Look […]
Destroying Special Ed. For Free Market Reform? Question About Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
Was the defunding of special education used to pave the way for school reforms that would eventually take place in the Douglas County, Colorado school district? Was special education sacrificed to make 21st Century Schools? There’s lots to talk about with this case, but I want to discuss the school district and what was happening […]
Private Schools: 3 Reasons Public Schools Are Better!
Private schools don’t always want your children, might not want vouchers, and don’t necessarily do better than public schools! There’s some fascinating information flying around about private schools vs. public schools, and I thought I would write about it today since vouchers are likely going to be a big part of 2017. Kellyanne Conway and […]
I’m Thankful for Real Public Schools!
With the DeVos selection, I thought I’d tweak and rerun an old Thanksgiving post. Here are a few of the things we should focus on instead of breaking up public schools. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving! Enjoy your kids. ____________________ Thanksgiving can be a lonely time. It can be a time where problems appear worse, when […]
Moskowitz and Rhee: A Teacher’s Viewpoint
Many educators and parents have expressed concerns about Eva Moskowitz or Michelle Rhee becoming Secretary of Education. Moskowitz has declined the post, but Ivanka Trump visited her charter school, and some fear she is still being courted. They seem to value her input. From a teacher’s viewpoint, I wanted to document why so many resent […]
President Donald Trump: What NOW for Public Schools?
President Trump certainly won’t be remembered as someone who “Made America Great Again” by churning the past failed public school policies of both parties. What can we expect from President Donald Trump when it comes to our public schools? Is it all doom and gloom? Can we find any silver lining? Is there a smidgeon […]
Donald Trump’s Love of School Choice
It is no secret that when it comes to public schools and other facets of American life, many Republicans do not like the federal government. Donald Trump used to speak of local control of schools. This is very much the old Republican Party talking. But last night, Donald Trump cheered school choice. He no longer […]
Hillary Clinton and Charter School Myths
Last night the report from the AFT convention was that Hillary Clinton once again spoke about how charter schools provided traditional public schools with innovation. This is a recurring theme with her—one that has already drawn boos from teachers in the NEA. As one teacher put it last night, is she tone deaf? Charter schools […]