Tag Archives: Equity
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
Twenty years and counting
We’ve past a milestone that I hoped we’d never see. August 7 was the 20th anniversary of state takeover of the Paterson Public Schools. Will we ever return? We could. NJ QSAC [Quality Single Accountability Continuum] finally provided the roadmap. Our state … 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
Lawless in NJ? School funding redux
This could be the week we hear from the NJ Supreme Court about the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Is the state required to follow the law? Or can a governor and legislature simply ignore the law? If the governor … 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
Imagine if we graduated 90% of Paterson kids!
Imagine if we graduated 90% of Paterson kids! I had the distinct privilege of participating in the First Annual America’s Promise GradNation Summit in Washington DC last week. It was so exciting to see so many people hyped about getting … Continue reading
Listening for Justice
On Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm in Judge Doyne’s courtroom, we will once again listen for the sounds of justice as the judge hears closing arguments in the SFRA remand trial. What are the sounds of justice? For me, it … 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
Late to the party: beyond outrage
“Why aren’t you outraged? You should be outraged!”say our newest education reformers. Where have they been? Not paying attention, I guess. I’ve had plenty of outrage at the terrible things done to our kids. I’ve spent countless hours talking to bureaucrats … Continue reading
Unspeakable truths and takeover
Last Sunday, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, my Children’s Chapel children and I talked about justice. As I listened to them wrestle their experiences, I was reminded that Paterson participated in racist/segregationist policies for its school children. We adults don’t talk … Continue reading