After cataloguing a long list of atrocities, Chris Hedges offers this advice in a recent essay: “Rebel. Even if you fail, even if we all fail, we will have asserted against the corporate forces of exploitation and death our ultimate dignity as human beings. We will have defended what is sacred. Rebellion means steadfast defiance. […]
At Bridging Differences, veteran educator Deborah Meier and reformer Mike Petrilli are debating who is the problem. And, that is a step up from their previous disagreement over who was a part of the disease. While I side with Meier, I would like to make a couple of suggestions for the further bridging of differences. […]
As the evidence mounts, we see that corporate education’s hastily-planned war on teachers and public schools was based on bad intel intentionally warped to shape public buy-in. Now the assault finds itself discredited by the facts on the ground and bogged down by an indigenous resistance that has just sensed its advantage. Highlights below are […]
I was sent a link to some language in the ESEA from the DOE’s website. It largely covers the establishment of the NAEP and how it should be administered. But then, there’s this: EC. 6301. PROHIBITION AGAINST FEDERAL MANDATES, DIRECTION, OR CONTROL. Nothing in this title shall be construed to authorize an officer or employee […]
Meanwhile, dozens of protestors were arrested yesterday as hundreds marched and tried to deliver the letter excerpted below to Rahm’s office. Video from CBS Chicago here. A clip from the letter (ht to PURE) signed by 128 Chicago lawyers: “[If carried out, these actions] will dramatically alter the school environment for vulnerable elementary students. More than 47,500 […]
“Teachers could stop #CommonCore tomorrow—if they joined hands and said ‘Hell, No!’ The alternative is loss of profession—and soul.” — Susan Ohanian A local university professor I’m friends with through The Association of Raza Educators (ARE) wrote me yesterday with the following message: Hi Robert, I hope you are well… You might be familiar with […]
We have some good stuff to bring you that’s too timely to miss. First, today at 5PM EST, we’re going to be joined again by Chicago teacher and activist Josh Marburger live from the Chicago marches and rallies today. Second, we have some urgent business regarding the Common Core. So, for that, we’re going to […]
Even with all of Rahm’s horses and all of the Chicago Tribune’s men in support of her opponent for the job of Chicago Teachers’ Union President, Karen Lewis was reelected on May 17 with an 80% share of the vote among Chicago educators. This is from George Schmidt’s article at Substance News: In a press […]
Tom Vander Ark is selling snake oil.
Why do Common Core supporters get to make unsubstantiated statements? Why? Look at the latest piece in Huffington Post by Tom Vander Ark. Below are a collection of statements made by Mr. Vander Ark. It’s exciting to see 45 states voluntarily adopting common college and career ready expectations for students — it makes the U.S. […]