Category Archives: School reform strategies
Out of the mouths of babes…
Last night the Paterson Board of Education and the community members wrestled with the latest version of Paterson’s school transformation plan. Of the more than three hours of comment and debate, the contribution of the children stands out for me. Faced … Continue reading
Would twice as much income make an educational difference?
Do you know that families with children made nearly twice as much income in Passaic County than in Paterson? The new census shows that the median income [the mid point: half make more; half make less] for a Paterson family with children was … Continue reading
New year, old issue: vouchers
Happy New Year! I wish the best for you as 2012 begins. I also wish that we would stop trying to “fix” our Paterson schools with smoke and mirrors. There are all sorts of reasons to oppose the voucher legislation … Continue reading
Save Our Schools!
Linda and I had an exhilarating experience at the Save Our Schools March in Washington DC this Saturday! 5,000 people gathered at the Ellipse Park behind the White House and rallied for more resources for public schools. Rally speakers included … Continue reading
A picture worth 1,000 words
I received this four color, four page glossy brochure in Friday’s mail. Did you? The leadership of this organization is traveling the state asserting its concern for urban kids. But I wonder… What does this picture say to you? Sure … Continue reading
Public Schools Should Go Away
“Public schools should go away.” I’ve always thought that such charges were just rhetorical, part of the rant in debate. But no, Monday’s Star Ledger features a Bob Braun column that turns my blood cold. “Public schools should go away,” … Continue reading
“Democracy isn’t just for rich people”
“Democracy isn’t just for rich people,” said Julia Sass Rubin in Bob Braun’s column about waning support for charters. Our suburban neighbors are proposing that charter schools should have to be approved by the local community. Dr. Rubin leads a … Continue reading
You are not alone if you organize
I’ll tell you a secret. At some point, every parent feels like they are the only one with the problem. You are angry, maybe embarassed. You don’t know what to do. It feels too big to tackle. You get angry … Continue reading
Change and Continuity
I am traveling to Trenton today to hear the State Board of Education receive Dr. Evans’ report on the Paterson Public Schools. I want to gauge the amount of support our new Commissioner and Board members show to him as … Continue reading
Lies, damned lies and statistics, II
All our children need good schools. Nobody disagrees with that. So why can’t we have a civil, rational discussion about how to reach the goal for all kids? Why do we end up twisting statistics in a semantic duel? The … Continue reading