Category Archives: School reform strategies
Exploring charters for Paterson
PEF has observed Paterson charter schools over the years as a viable option for Paterson families, but hardly a cure all. Charters will never serve all of our students. Now, we have two new charter school applications on a fast … Continue reading
When to Go to Trenton
I’ve gone to Trenton many times over my career with PEF. It has always been to advocate for Paterson’s children. I’ll be going again in February to discuss Pateson Reads as a model for other communities to improve early learning. Ar … Continue reading
How suspensions hurt our kids and our schools
On last Saturday, we joined PEOC in bringing light to a national crisis: pushing our kids out of school by suspending them. It’s not just a national problem. It hurts us here in Paterson, too. In 2010-11, Paterson schools suspended … Continue reading
Ask Me!
On Wednesday June 13 at the Paterson School Board meeting, parents will once again come out to voice their dissatisfaction with the school transformation plan. At last week’s school board workshop, School 15 and New Roberto Clemente parents joined the discussion. They … Continue reading
Can ALL children learn at high levels?
“Can All children learn at high levels?” I believe they can. But I know lots of people don’t believe it. I can tell they don’t believe it when they make an argument for vouchers or charters saying, “At least we’ll … Continue reading
Is it REALLY for the poor kids?
When you object to some of the new school reform agenda, people accuse you of being against the kids. “Even if our ideas aren’t perfect, some children will get educated,” they argue. I wish that was true. But the evidence is … Continue reading
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