NY High School Success Calls for Look at Old-Fashioned Writing Instruction
Some of you out there probably think I’m starting to get lazy. Just pick out an education-themed article and point you two it, then head along on my way. But this one I couldn’t resist. A new piece in The Atlantic magazine by Peg Tyre gets at the nitty-gritty of learning and knowledge through telling […]
Colorado K-12 Tax Hikes Challenged: Economy Squeezes Household Incomes Harder Than School Budgets
Five of Colorado’s nine largest school districts have placed property tax hikes on the fall 2012 ballot. Over the past decade all five of the tax-proposing school districts have significantly grown spending on “current” operating costs. From 2005 to 2010, median household incomes in all five counties covered by the five districts fell short of per-pupil school tax revenues. Asking voters to increase property taxes this year may not be an easy task.
“Parent Trigger” Debate Triggered as Won’t Back Down Movie Opens in Colorado
I’m getting too excited to wait much longer. Tonight is the special Colorado screening of Won’t Back Down, the new feature movie about empowering parents to improve failing schools. Put simply, it brings the “Parent Trigger” reform concept to the big screen.
So as you look forward to catching the movie, either tonight or when it […]
Amy Oliver Show: Reforms vs. Tax Hikes in Jeffco Schools
Sheila Atwell, executive director of Jeffco Students First Action, makes a case for greater accountability in Colorado’s largest school district. She explains why the Jeffco Public Schools 3A and 3B tax hike proposals represent a misguided approach that burdens homeowners and business owners without the promise of better results.
Is This Conservative Alternative to Federal Education Policy Just Too Sensible?
Four months ago, while introducing you to the education policy blueprint of a major party presidential candidate, I noted that one of the hardest areas in which “it might be hard to make a contrast” between Obama and Romney is K-12 education.
Every time one of these major national elections comes up, serious questions and debates […]
Adams 12 Teachers Applaud Union Bargaining Transparency: Coming Soon?
Talk about picking up where I left off. On Wednesday I shared the story of Adams 12 taxpayer Joseph Hein, from his daughter’s difficult confrontation with a schoolhouse bully to his own experience having to be escorted for his own protection away from union bullies at a school board meeting. At the end of last […]
Finding Winners, Losers, and (Weekend!) Bright Spots in Chicago Teachers Strike
It’s Friday, and I’m itching to get out and play. So let’s make today’s post short, sweet and to the point. For anyone paying attention, it’s no mystery that the Chicago teachers strike finally got resolved a couple days ago. Rick Hess has the best breakdown of winners (including the interesting trio of President Obama, […]
Mike Thomas’ Account Reminds Ed Reformers Hearts and Minds Can Change
(H/T Matt Ladner on Jay Greene’s blog) In the never-ending education reform debates, it’s important not to take for granted that prominent voices can change their minds. Mike Thomas used to be a Florida education news reporter notably skeptical of Jeb Bush’s bold and cutting-edge school reform program. After reviewing the evidence, much of it […]
From Schoolhouse Bullying to Union Bullying: Adams 12 Taxpayer Speaks Out
So you may have heard the Education Policy Center’s Ben DeGrow has started hosting a weekly K-12 education half-hour radio segment on AM 1310 KFKA in northern Colorado, every Wednesday at 10 AM. Earlier today he had a great conversation with a parent and taxpayer from Adams 12 in suburban Denver.
Joe Hein was one […]
Amy Oliver Show: Taxpayer Gets Protection from Union Protesters
Adams 12 taxpayer Joe Hein discusses his experience speaking out at a recent school board meeting, where he had to be escorted away for his own protection due to the union protesters who disagreed with his point of view. He also shares his difficult experience as a parent in Adams 12 that inspired him to action regarding local school issues.
Roscommon Teachers Secede from Michigan Education Association, Form Local-Only Union
The local only union option continues to attract interest. Teachers in a northern Michigan school district recently voted two to one to break away from the state and national union and form their own independent bargaining organization. As reported by a local TV news affiliate, the president of the new Roscommon Teachers Association explained why […]
“Won’t Back Down” Sept. 27 Colorado Screening Highlights Parent Power
About a month ago, I pointed out to you the somewhat disturbing views about parents held by certain figures within the education establishment. Well, here’s going way out on a limb to guess the same crowd won’t be lining up in excitement to watch the new movie Won’t Back Down:
The feature-length film starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, […]
