Journal Confirms “Year of School Choice”; NEA Takes Both Sides on Value-Added
Still trying to recover from the big fireworks last night, I couldn’t decide between two blogging ideas this morning. So instead I’m giving you a little bit of both. First, you just have to read today’s Wall Street Journal editorial proclaiming what I told you last week — that 2011 is indeed The Year of […]
Will There Be Any Fireworks to See at This Year’s NEA Representative Assembly?
Believe it or not, July is here and the Independence Day weekend is practically upon us. You know what that means. Lots of red, white and blue; cookouts; parades; and, of course, fireworks. But probably not the kind of fireworks you’re thinking of.
One thing about fireworks is how they can provide a moment of […]
Sending Out an “S.O.S.” to Find a Clear Understanding of Education “Status Quo”
Over at the Ed News Colorado blog, progressive teacher-activist Sabrina Stevens Shupe lays out a critique against reformer types for “the intellectually lazy use of ’status quo.’” She says that reformers like me use the term as a blunt object “meant to suggest low achievement,” but that in reality the No Child Left Behind […]
6/30/11
Newsletter June 30 2011
Hooray! Institute for Justice Stands Up for Dougco Choice Scholarship Families
Excellent news this week: The Institute for Justice (IJ), a Virginia-based public interest law firm, has intervened to defend four Douglas County families who face potential harm from lawsuits filed by the ACLU and other groups to try to shut down the school district’s groundbreaking Choice Scholarship program.
Wisconsin Makes It a Lock: 2011 Is Definitely the Year of School Choice
Update, 6/28: If you want a comprehensive look at all this year’s school choice bills introduced and enacted state by state, check out this memo from the Alliance for School Choice and American Federation for Children.
2011 is the Year of School Choice. I may have missed it happening, but can somebody make it official already? […]
Impatient As It Makes Me Sound, Welcome “School Choice Now!” to Edublog World
Yes, I have problems with patience. Being perpetually 5 years old kind of does that to you. I can get myself in trouble by yelling for “Legos now!” or “Let’s go to the park now!” Still, I think my parents would be less inclined to come down hard on me for proclaiming the title of […]
Unbelievable: TWO Lawsuits Now to Stop Dougco Families’ Educational Choices
Has it only been two days since reactionary forces — the forces of WE know what’s best for you — dropped a lawsuit bomb to try to stop 500 Douglas County students from getting better educational opportunity? Colorado Peak Politics highlighted problems facing a couple of the plaintiffs’ relation to the legal action. And now, […]
Pam Benigno Provides Independence Institute Response to Douglas County Anti-Voucher Lawsuit
Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno appeared on Denver’s CBS 4 News to respond to news that the ACLU and other groups had filed suit in an attempt to stop the Douglas County school board from giving publicly-funded “Choice Scholarships” to district families who opt for a private school education. “They’re taking away from about 500 kids the opportunity to find the best school that fits their needs,” Benigno said.
Thinking About How to Approach the Education Future with Khan Academy
Little Eddie is on the run today, so I just want to point you to a quickie. A few months ago I told you about the glimpse into the education future known as Khan Academy. After talking about how the online curriculum was being used in a California school, I noted:
It represents a key part […]
Legal Complaint against DougCo Vouchers Rooted in Irony, Anti-Catholic Bigotry
It’s the first day of summer, “longest day of the year” — which may have something to do with trying to get as much attention as possible for a lawsuit filed by the ACLU and friends to try to stop Douglas County’s choice scholarship (voucher) program. Ed News Colorado was among the first to report […]
Spreading Carpe Diem-Like Learning Success Requires Colorado Policy Changes
Have you heard about Arizona’s cutting-edge, outstanding-results blended learning charter known as Carpe Diem? You can get a great introduction by watching this 9-minute marketing video. It’s time to take a serious look at upgrading Colorado policies to bring about the greatest success in blended learning, including opening the door for some Carpe Diem-like schools in our own back yard.
