A Shaky Foundation, A Potential Threat: Analyzing Colorado State Union “Employee Partnerships”
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter’s November 2007 executive order that introduced union representation to state government through employee “partnership agreements” is misguided. The contradictions, omissions, and other fallacies promoted by defenders of the order show that the change really was not necessary. By issuing the unilateral order, the Governor prevented a full public debate, which would have addressed important flaws regarding the order:
Channel 7 Report: Benigno Comments on Governor's Education Reform
March 20, 2008–Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno responded to yesterday’s unveiling of Gov. Bill Ritter’s Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids in an interviewed appearance on Denver’s Channel 7 News.
Homeschooling Under Attack in California
For homeschoolers and other lovers of educational freedom, there’s an alarming story in today’s Los Angeles Times, which begins: “Parents who lack teaching credentials cannot educate their children at home, according to a state appellate court ruling that is sending waves of fear through California’s home schooling families.”
Ties That Bind
A Denver school looking to overcome some steep challenges has asked to be liberated from the bureaucratic rules holding it back. Only one very formidable roadblock remains before this burgeoning freedom movement: the teachers union.
Leading Education Reformers Discuss: "Is School Choice Enough?"
If you’ve been wondering what’s new in the world of school choice, you may want to check out an online forum featuring many of the leading lights in free market education reform.
Why School Reform Fails
Education Policy Center director Pam Benigno interviews Dr. Jerry Wartgow about the insights and experiences featured in his new book.
Union Tells Bruce Randolph School 'No'
Education policy analyst Ben DeGrow discusses Denver teachers union officials’ rejection of a widely-approved request from the principal and teachers of Bruce Randolph School for more freedom from bureaucratic and negotiated rules.
I.I. Event FRIDAY: Former DPS Superintendent Speaks on School Reform
This Friday, January 25, the Education Policy Center is sponsoring a special event to share some important perspectives on school reform.
School Choice for Kids
With January upon us, the open enrollment process begins for many school districts across Colorado. Pam Benigno and Raaki Garcia-Ulam discuss our parent-friendly website, www.schoolchoiceforkids.org, and the open enrollment process. The process can be tricky and Pam and Raaki address some of the more common misconceptions and problems. They also explain how the website can be used as a tool for parents in choosing the right school. Listen to find out if you have all the necessary open enrollment information.
How Does Your School District Measure Up?
Ben DeGrow discusses open enrollment in Colorado public schools with Pam Benigno and Kirstin Hasler. The Education Policy Center spent an entire year going over school district websites and evaluating their ability to help facilitate parent’s decisions in choosing the right school for their kids. Does a larger school district with more resources mean better, more easily accessible information? You will be surprised.
Bruce Randolph Strives for Autonomy
Alan Gottlieb, Vice President for Policy at the Public Education and Business Coalition, discusses the Bruce Randolph School’s attempts to break away from its union grip with our own education policy analyst Ben DeGrow. How successful is the Bruce Randolph freedom movement thus far and can it help foster other freedom movements in schools around Colorado?
Consumers as Smart as Economic Busybodies
There are still two weeks of shopping until Christmas, but the nagging has already started. Everybody’s got an opinion on how I shop. They may argue with each other, but they agree on one thing: I’m doing it wrong. Some economists worry I’m not spending enough. These economists are sniffing the fumes of something called Keynesian economics. John Maynard Keynes revamped economic theory in the early 20th century. Economics as a science is still reeling from the blow.
