Miriam's School Law and Reform

Another overreach by schools? The 'no-touch' policies

2010-10-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

(Interesting article from Great Britain on the matter).

I've thought about this a lot, also. Another interesting read for a Saturday!

Bullying and suicides... a complex situation...

2010-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

(bullying not only cause of suicides, experts warn)

I've thought about this issue--as more states pass anti-bullying law. An important read.

Schools for other people's children...

2010-09-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

(President Obama on his choice of schools for his daughters).

Our president gave an honest answer. We understand that. But as long as people can walk away from the public schools, they will continue to be for other people's children. I wrote an essay many years ago that the only way to fix our public schools is to CLOSE all the private schools! Nutty? I don't think so. By doing that, we would force all players to the same table and I do believe that improvements would come fast. Very fast. In fact, it's really the only way.

The responsibility deficit.... Thanks Philip K. Howard!

2010-09-24T04:36:00.001-07:00

(The Responsibility Deficit).

It's great to see our friend, Philip K. Howard, featured in David Brooks' column. Of course, he's right. Teachers need the freedom to teach and students need to know that it is their responsibility to learn.

It's always amazing to me that when we make comparisons of student achievement with other countries (Finland, comes to mind) we ignore the student, parent, and teacher responsibility parts. There are key. Yet, not on the table usually.

Instead we focus on systems and more rules and more requirements, taking us further and further away from what works: responsibility by key players. Thank you again, Philip, and thank you David Brooks for recognizing his important work!

Should we rethink inclusion? See joannejacobs.com discussion

2010-09-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

(Should we rethink inclusion??

Yes, it's time to rethink inclusion. Inclusion grew out of the civil rights model. (student have a right to be in regular classrooms) not out of the education model (what works for students!). So sad. Instead, our schools should be driven by research or education-based practices--not legal mandates or concepts cooked up by legislators and judges.

It is, indeed, time to rethink inclusion so we can do what actually works for kids in schools.

Mother was right...'C'est le ton qui fait la musique."

2010-09-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

My mother always told me, "It's the tone that makes the music." Can that be the message from Washington D.C.'s vote? That it was a rejection of style, approach, tone--even as the schools were improving? Can it be that mother was right--again.

(Children are the losers in D.C. vote)

Education Update features Fixing Special Education!

2010-09-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

( Discussion with Michael Best, NYC General Counsel and Jean Johnson of Public Agenda)

(Fixing Special Education.).

The book is available on Amazon.com, through (School Law Pro), and at (Fixing book)

Check it out! Your thoughts and comments?

We are into the 35th anniversary of this law. Time to celebrate and reform!

Thomas Friedman--"We're Number 11!" Scary!

2010-09-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

(Thomas Friedman echoes Robert Samuelson's call for motivated and hardworking students)

Finally, Thomas Friedman of the New York Times and Robert Samuelson of Newsweek tell us the truth: too many of our students are not motivated to work hard. After all the money spent on 'education reform,' we have little to show for it because (so far) we have been unwilling to look in the right places--what students bring from home and what students do in school.

Let's hope these thought leaders get that conversation going.

Barnard College... Alumnae books includes FIXING!

2010-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

(Fixing Special Education listed among Barnard College Alumnae books)

Education Week reports number of SLD students is down.

2010-09-09T06:40:00.000-07:00

(Number of students with specific learning disability is down).

Is this good news? Is it news? What does it mean? We all need to stay tuned.

But, for the moment, it looks like GOOD news for those of us who believe that too many students were labeled with SLD and who believe that good teaching in the early grades through good old fashioned GOOD TEACHING practices (now called RTI--response to intervention) will keep numbers down.

A story to keep watching!

"Learning style"--is it real?-- in New York Times

2010-09-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

(Learning style and other theories of learning debunked).
We've known that brain research and 'common knowledge' don't often match. So here we go again. In my book, Fixing Special Education, I wrote about the fact that so much of special education is built upon questionable (or no) research. It's a tragedy for students, schools and our country.
Maybe this
New York Times article will help. Let us hope!

School reforms' meager results. See 2nd reason!

2010-09-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

(Two reasons for school reform failure)

A gutsy piece. Common sense tells us that education is a two-way street. Educate is an active verb. It is something one does. It does not happen passively. The teacher should work hard AND THE STUDENT SHOULD WORK HARD.

Yet, defying common sense, education reform efforts have focused only on the first person--not the second! If students don't learn, the teachers must be doing something wrong! Hello... does that make sense to anyone? NOT ME. Such reforms have not worked and, they will not. So says this gutsy piece by Robert J. Samuelson in the Washington Post.

He cites the (usually uncited and unspoken) reason--students are not motivated to work hard. Thank you, Mr. Samuelson, for telling a truth. In my experience, most teachers are good enough. BUT, they cannot educate students alone. Education is an ACTIVE verb. Teachers need active participation by students (and I would say, parents). Our reforms have been looking in the wrong place.

Back to school magic...

2010-09-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year—the annual, magical beginning of school. Every year, teachers, students, and parents get to start anew. New beginnings. Clean slates. A world of possibilities Dreams. It’s magic!

I left teaching to practice law more than 35 years ago. Yet, that end-of-summer beginning-of-school magic is still powerful in me. There’s nothing like it in the practice of law. Instead of an annual fresh start and clean slates, when we return from vacation, ‘stuff’ is piled high on our desks. Our emails are clogged. We are on a treadmill yet again. Life did not stop. It carried on while we were basking in the sun. We are now in catch-up mode... wondering if taking that time off was worth the reentry pain.

But, I digress. In schools, this is a magic time. I wish you a happy year of success and achievement in 2010-2011 and thank you for your important work.

Top books? Here are the results thus far...

2010-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

(Voting for top books of the last 10 years). Diane Ravitch is up by far!

Top education books of the decade!

2010-09-02T04:55:00.001-07:00

Education Next.org has a fascinating contest--vote for the book you believe to be most influential. I did.

And I added the comment that Carol Dweck's book, MINDSET, should have been on that list. It influenced me the most-- what teachers and parents can do (and should stop doing) to help students learn, succeed, and thrive. Check that out too--the book and the comment!

What book would you add?

(Top books of the decade)

If only they would get a good night sleep!

2010-08-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

(What teachers want from parents).

It's amazing, isn't it. What teachers want most from parents. Get their kids to bed at night for a good night's sleep. Interestingly, this comment also found itself in my book, Fixing Special Education, where I quote a principal of a successful California school: "If I could only get the moms to put their children to bed early."

John Merrow's new book, BELOW C LEVEL

2010-08-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

(A review of John Merrow's new book).

A good read. What's wrong with education and how to fix it. I am quoted in the book--which is always nice!

No more "D's!"

2010-08-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

(New Jersey district bans D's--Students can earn A's, B's, C's, and F's).

Very creative. I agree with the rationale.... students shouldn't pass with D's and just slide through. Let's hope this creative approach works to increase hard work, effort, and learning!

Very sobering...

2010-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

(New York City test scores go from 81% pass to 18% pass).

Sobering. Defining standards down is dangerous for America. We need to link this story with Mr. Caperton's above and get sober fast.

Sobering, but...

2010-08-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

(US losing its #1 spot in college graduates)
The head of the College Board sounds the alarm.

We must ask if our public education policies make sense. Many don't. Is college readiness the right goal for every student? And if so, how can we graduate high school students who don't have basic arithmetic skills?

Yesterday I spoke with a lovely and dedicated woman who is a math tutor for college students at a community college. Her story is sobering. Her young students people 'graduated' from high school but do NOT have basic elementary arithmetic skills. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing. Many of them grew up on calculators with teachers who thought that was OK.

We must ask if our public education policies make sense. Many don't.

So, the Huffington story is sobering--b

And say it ain't so... again on RTTT

2010-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

(Diane Ravitch on Race To The Top and evaluating teachers).

In all of these moves to evaluate students and teachers on the basis of testing, we assume that the tests are valid and the results reliable. This is a major assumption that needs to be explored. Fast.

My experience with testing students with disabilities and the use of accommodations and modifications concerns me greatly--as the use is often inconsistent and the validity of test results is assumed. Again, we need to explore this assumption. Fast.

Say it ain't so.... the Common Core standards

2010-08-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

(A back story of Massachusetts and the Common Core standards)

An amazing story of the politics behind the vote in Massachusetts to end its high standards and go with the Common Core.... Say it ain't so.

And how do we follow the money on this development?

Creativity--Whither American creativity? Awesome. Po Bronson strikes again!

2010-07-27T04:14:00.000-07:00

(Creativity not taught in America)

Research indicates that creativity is on the decline in American children. Now what do we do? First, read this fascinating cover story in Newsweek by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.

Neuroscience research plays a key role in our understanding of creativity.

next? It turns out that creativity needs to be nourished. Yet, in our schools now, it is largely not. We should act on this reality, teaching facts AND creativity--both are needed.

And, for starters, turn off the TVs and all those hand held electronic toys. We suspected they were bad for kids' creativity. Well, they are. And, let the kids play outside!

Inclusion, inclusion...for what purpose?

2010-07-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

(Boulder's efforts for inclusion)

As I read this article, I am concerned about the purpose of the move to more inclusion. What is that purpose? Let's be very clear! It is to improve learning outcomes for ALL students in the schools--regular and special education, gifted and average, 'at risk' and all others.

I echo and strongly support the folks who focus the purpose of inclusion on improving teaching and learning for ALL students. I am very concerned about those who focus on inclusion as a 'civil right.' Instead, inclusion should be based on research and best practices--for what works, not just for having all sorts of learners in classrooms together, but on improving outcomes for all of them. That is not a matter of 'right,' it's a matter of pedagogy and research on what works.

Let us all keep our eye on the prize: better outcomes for all students.

It's' my story and I'm sticking with it!

2010-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thinking a bit more about that College Board report (Friday's blog).....

When I came to America in 4th grade, unfortunately, it became time to slide by in my schooling. Yes, I had to learn English. And I did that. But, the substance of our learning so much easier than what I was used to...

Consider. In Holland, we had learned the multiplication tables up to 20! In our heads! No calculators. No aids. 18 x 17. 13 x 16. Etc. And it was fun!

In the public school in New Jersey, where I started my American education, students were struggling to learn the multiplication tables up to 10. 3 x 7. 8 x 9. Etc. So sad. For me, it was but the start of lowered expectations for many many years.

I wish it were different. But, apparently not. That's why that College Board report is so troubling...

Worrisome College Board report...

2010-07-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

Now the College Board tells us what we instinctively kinda, sorta knew already--the US lags in college graduation rates--when compared to other countries. We used to be the world leader in education. And, we all know that education is key to our continued growth and success in the coming years. So this is a worrisome report. (US, once leader, now lags in college graduation).

What to do? Some say, OK--leave it. We don't need to be # 1 forever. I don't agree. I believe we need to make our best efforts and reboot--start at the K-12 levels. The fact that our schools are struggling runs up the ladder to colleges and beyond. Education continues to be a political football. In the meantime, our students do not thrive. We need to get back to those early grades. More focused on teaching the basics. More focused on teaching creativity and wonder. Less focused, in my view, on technology and gee-whiz stuff.

This all matters a lot to our country.

If you build it, will they break it?

2010-07-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

(Massachusetts debates joining the national standards).

Massachusetts has been touted as having among the best standards in the U.S. So now, the move is on to join the 'national standards.' A hot, hot controversy in the Bay State. Will this move lower the standards? Essentially bring an end to the MCAS test? Raise the standards? Have no effect really?

It's hard to know what's right on this issue. I have not read through the proposed standards. My question is whether the state standards are broken and if not, why fix them? Or is something else going on?

Here's the Cato Institute take on it. Not good for Massachusetts.(CATO on "national standards" for MA).

Et tu? What do you think?

See my letter in today's Boston Globe...

2010-07-14T18:43:00.001-07:00

(Letter about hiring special educators, according to Globe article of July 11)

Check it out! Your thoughts? The letter and article generated lots of on-line comment.

If you're on Cape Cod this Thursday....

2010-07-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

I'll be speaking at the MASS conference (Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents) in Mashpee! Topic: Fixing Special Education and its Ethical Dilemmas.

Come join us!

No jobs for teachers, except in special education.

2010-07-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

(Teaching jobs in special education, but not other fields).

I read this article with great sadness. The trend is leading education in the wrong direction. The way to improve special education is to improve regular education. We need to add more teachers--especially at the early grades to teach students how to read and do math (and never need special education.) Sadly, however, this is not happening. The trend is not a good sign.

We cannot continue to grow the special education entitlement program and expect improved results for all students. This trend creates a sad day for the Commonwealth and for our country. We need to do better.

More teacher union members than ever! Better schools?

2010-07-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

( AFT now has more than a million and a half members).

More union members? Better education? You decide.

A good Sunday read.

2010-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

(Diane Ravitch's education ideas in historic context).

Is it, as the French say, "Plus la change, plus la meme chose"? That is, the more things change the more they stay the same.

We have worked on education reform for the better part of the 20th, and now,
the 21st century. Ravitch envisions the worst case scenario: higher test scores and worse education. Since the early 1900's, have we made progress? Where do we go from here?

As I said, a good Sunday read.

Too much high self esteem in teens...

2010-07-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

(Study: too much self esteem in teens).

We saw this coming. The self esteem movement has run its course, I hope. The best book I've found on these issues is Carol Dweck's Mindset. There are two types of mind sets: fixed mindset (which gets praised for being smart, pretty, athletic, etc) and growt mindset (which gets praised for effort, working hard, trying, succeeding, etc). Too much praise in high schools comes from the fixed mindset, so that when kids in college actually get a 'C', as in this story, they are insulted! I believe it's time fo us to push the growth mindset. Thank you, Carol Dweck for that clear distinction!

What is your favorite book or program on this issue?

Whither our vocational technical programs!

2010-07-05T09:22:00.001-07:00

(Not enough skilled workers for available jobs). Is this sad or what? Whither vocational/technical programs when we need them? They have been abandoned in favor of having everyone go to college. Does this make sense to you?

What a country! A great idea from Kansas...

2010-07-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

(Grouping students by achievement, not age).

Just as we were fretting about the failure label we slap on students, a district in Kansas has come up with a better way--group students by their achievement, not age. Thus, students can continue to work on what they need--whether they are behind or ahead of their age peers. Let's hope this works well. First reports look positive.

What a country! We always create anew. Happy 4th of July indeed!

Honest grades--when did that become controversial?

2010-06-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

(Judge in Texas rules for honest grades, not automatic grade of 50).

Thank the judge in Texas for bringing back honest grades. When did that become controversial? It should not be. Grades should reflect student work, results, effort, etc. Instead, the policy struck down by the judge gave an automatic score of no less than a 50 to students--so they would not drop out of school???? Where is the credible research to support that policy? I have not seen it. The way to prevent dropouts is to have excellent teaching and learning, with support from the home. That is basic. It should not be controversial.

Apparently it was in Texas. Thank the judge for ending that policy.

Last day of "rubber room" in NYC

2010-06-29T04:43:00.001-07:00

Sign of progress on the way to focusing resources on good teaching in our classrooms? Let us hope.
('Rubber room' last day)

First, grade inflation and now, honors inflation.

2010-06-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

(Many students are # 1 as many get honor of 'valedictorian'). An interesting article in today's New York Times.

We knew this had to come. First came grade inflation. Then came plackards and trophies for everyone in soccer and volleyball and (you get the picture). Now we have not just one or two, but many, many valedictorians at our high school graduations?

Competition is hard. And yes, some get hurt and have feelings ruffled. But, tough competition is reality. Our nation is in the throws of it--given how the world is going now.

Are our high schools helping kids grow up or are they coddling them and interfering with their need to become successful adults?

Whither merit? competition? winning and losing? Ah, whither reality? Whither your thoughts on this?

Why hierarchy matters...even in an egalitarian era

2010-06-27T04:46:00.000-07:00

Interesting article in the Boston Globe--connecting General McChrystal and the French soccer mutiny. In both cases, the players stepped outside their proper role--questioning authority in a way that society rejects.

Well, of course this story brings me back right to our schools. Ask: how can teachers teach when students question their authority to do so(with the threat of a lawsuit; you can't touch me. I'll call my lawyer, etc. etc.) when they try to bring order into the classroom, provide needed discipline, and actually get down to the teaching and learning for the day, etc. etc. etc. Quick answer: they can't.

Let's hope this article has legs into our nation's classrooms. Hierarchy matters. There's a right and a wrong way for students to behave in our nation's classroom so they can learn and let others around them learn, also. So long as we have no clarity (and an ever-present fear of litigation) about the role of the teacher, the student, and the parent, our education will continue to suffer.

( Out of order--hierarchy matters).

Front page NY Times story about educating severely disabled students

2010-06-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

(Educating severely disabled students)

I found this story interesting on many levels. How do we best educate these students? What programs and approaches work? No research was cited for the various approaches used at the one New York City school. It's certainly challenging.

But I also found the numbers revealing....
The numbers of students with severe disabilities is, nationwide, estimated at
123,000. The numbers of students with disabilities is estimated at 6.5 million. Fewer than 2% are severely multihandicapped.

The costs are interesting also--an estimated $74 billion is spent nationally for special education (does that include the regular ed services that these students receive? It is NOT clear).

And,if I did the numbers right, at an estimated $60,000 per severely disabled student, the costs for this group of students are close to $8 billion--around 10% of the total.

So, in reforming special ed, I believe that we are back on focusing on the vast numbers of students who do NOT have severe disabilities. That is where both the numbers of students and dollars and programs are.

Stop timing (?!) the SAT and ACT!

2010-06-13T14:41:00.001-07:00

We knew this was coming... It's been a sad tale for years. I believe there are reason for timing tests and that test makers need to articulate them. Yet, the College Board and the ACT refused to do so back in 2002 when threatened with a lawsuit. The mere threat led them to create the accommodations policy of no longer flagging tests that are taken with extended time--that is, tests that are not normed. And, thereby, they threw away the reasons for timing.

Hey, if there's no reason to time tests--then stop scaring and stressing students. If there are reasons, then stand up for them--articulate and implement them. We ask no less of our teachers who do so every day.

This story has been a sad slow slog. Who will stand up for standards? norms? tests that actually mean what they say they mean? Not the SAT or the College Board, apparently--for the last almost 10 years.

(Call to stop timing the SAT and ACT from Fair Test).

Off the cuff on public speaking

2010-06-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Why public speaking helps convey the message and empower teachers!
(Miriam on public speaking)

Just when you thought we might have high standards...

2010-06-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

(dumbing down tests)

Say it ain't so.

Let us hope!

2010-06-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

(David Brooks on Race to the Top).
Here's a straight up, not cynical view of RTTT. Let's hope David Brooks has it right. Does he?

Wishfully creating public policy.

2010-06-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Now the gurus tell is that, alas after all, one size does fit all. How many of these folks are real teachers in real schools with real students?

Wishful mandating and voila, all students will, can, and want to meet the same standards--including students with "even the most severe cognitive disabilities."=--according the the Common Core State Standards issued by CCSSO and NGA.

Really? How can this be? And how can standards possibly remain high enough to be meaningful to all students.

Am I missing something? It looks like common sense is replaced by ???? And who is manning the store for all students?

What's special about one size fits all. I'm scratching my head. And you?

(common core standards for all students proposed)

An inspiring 2+ minutes! Worth watching!

2010-06-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Gateway Arts in Brookline, MA--a center for arts for people with mental challenges--where they feel useful, creative, and important. It focuses on what people can do--not their weaknesses. Just what we need also in special ed. Enjoy!!

(Focusing on people's strengths, not weaknesses)

Newton Tab blog about FIXING SPECIAL EDUCATION!

2010-05-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

Interesting feedback...I am heartened that the conversation is happening. Several thoughtful comments so far. It would be interesting to hear from educators, as well as parents. Maybe they have time during this Memorial Day weekend...

My goal in writing Fixing Special Education--12 Steps to Transform a Broken System is to encourage that national conversation. Let's talk! Let's act. Let's dare to create trust-based special education and education for all children.

Check the blog at:
(reaction to Tab story about my book).

And, it turns out, the book is available at AMAZON.com!

The saddest article I've read in a long time...

2010-05-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

No more federal funds for the top half of the class! What type of public policy is that. One of the persons quoted in the article talks about the Race to the Top being the Race to the Bottom. Kinda sounds like that. SAD! BAD! EGADS!

(End of federal funding for top students)

( AP and G&T stripped of federal dollars?!?!)

Say it ain't so!

Multitasking--not advised!

2010-05-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Multitasking--Another example of popular concepts that have no research support. This time, it's the belief that kids can multitask and not lose out. Well, psychologist Dan Willingham says they can't. An important read for parents and educators.

(multitasking not advised for teens)

Newton Tab piece picked up by several blogs!

2010-05-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here's some:

(Newton story about Fixing Special Education)

(Teaching on edge)

(Great blog by editor of Newton Tab)

The power of the web to connect ideas and people is truly amazing.

Check out Wicked Local story on Fixing Special Education!

2010-05-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

here's a nice story. Enjoy!

(Story about Miriam's book, Fixing Special Education in local paper)

Success story from Birmingham...

2010-05-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

(Mainstreamed student featured)

Here's a story for reading pleasure of special education working well. Your thoughts?

Human-powered motivation at Maker Faire!

2010-05-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Maker Faire in San Mateo, California--inventors of all types were featured there. (human powered stage at Maker Faire).
One was my son's human powered stage at (Rock The Bike), powered by people sitting on stationary bikes to harness energy to power up the music and lights for the singers and performers on that human-powered stage! Awesome...

So interesting to me was watching little children (age 8? 9? 10?) who clamored to get on those bikes and power them. All day long, one after another, these kids jumped on the bikes and volunteered! They checked out the pedal meter which told the audience if there was enough power at any moment. If there wasn't, they had to pedal faster! Those kids watched that meter like hawks! They wanted to help. They wanted to be useful. They wanted to participate. They created the power. They mattered. They were important. No whining or complaining there. Just young children looking to be useful and having fun doing it (and getting lots of exercise pedaling)...

I often think that in our schools we do way too much for kids and expect them to contribute way too little. People want to be useful and to be needed. So do little people. We should learn from the pedal powered stage at Maker Faire!

Alternate route to success--no college!

2010-05-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

And here's today's Boston Globe weighing in with the story we tracked last week. Let's hope it get the traction it needs. College is not for everyone. There are better success paths for some students. We need to legitimize them and make them honorable. It's time we educate all students in their areas of strengths, rather than forcing everyone into a one size fits all model. Trying to fit everyone into that model has created damaging distortions in the system and for young adults. Colllege is good for many. But not for all.

(College not for everyone, says The Boston Globe story)

I love this article! Plan B--Skip College.

2010-05-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

(Plan B--Skip College).

I've written about this often. We need to acknowledge and support the multiple ways to be a success life. There are many many paths. Not everyone needs to go to college after high school. Finally, we have The New York Times on board! College is not for everyone. Perhaps later. Perhaps never. Perhaps whatever. Thank you NY Times for opening the discussion at last.

See also Joe Lamacchia's website, (Alternate ways to be a success in life!)

Top producers conference...

2010-05-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

HMM. What is a 'producer' in this era of double speak?

HMMM. I was walking around San Francisco and saw an insurance company conference for its top producers. I wondered. Are they the folks who make patients better? who improve services to clients? who reduce health care confusion and costs? who produce something? No, I was told, they are the sales people who sell the most insurance. HMMMMM.

In education, what are our top producers? Are they the teachers who document what they do the best? who fill out the most forms or attend the most meetings? who are the most caring and concerned? I wonder and rather doubt it. I believe we want top teachers to PRODUCE (along with efforts by parents and students--too often overlooked) the best learning for their students. A real goal. A real need.

With all the language about holding teachers responsible for student learning, what word will we use? How about top producers of a REAL good!

College for all? At last, there's a good question.

2010-05-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

The issue of college for all has been off the table for too long. The assumption, or course was, that the answer what YES, everyone should go to college.

Well now, finally, that good question is up for grabs. There are LOTS of good reasons for success minded high school graduates NOT to go to college. Read on!
(Questioning the assumption that everyone should go to college)

Check out Akron's Quaker Square Inn

2010-05-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

We all talk about getting out of our silos--everyone doing his/her own thing in public schools. Instead, we talk about joining forces--among all the various professions and experts.

Well, here's a hotel that did this literally. 36 silos were brought together and created a beautiful luxury hotel in Akron Ohio. I have not seen it yet, but hope to before too long.

(36 silos pulled together to form luxury hotel in Akron Ohio!)

Let's join forces in public schools--teachers, administrators, parents, students, and others--to improve teaching and learning and create a luxury public education system!

NEWSWEEK--Education Research gets an F

2010-05-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

(Education research gets an F).

Say it ain't so! Especially in this era of 'research-based education.' The No Child Left Behind Act is based on r-b education. Sad, sad, sad.... and I will add to this report card the need for research in how we do special education. Do all the rules and regulations lead to better outcomes for kids? Where is the data?

T-shirts and how we need to keep eyes on the prize

2010-05-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

You've got to be kidding me. But no, students in a U.S. school were told to go home because they had t-shirts on with an American flag on cinco de mayo. As an immigrant, (Students told to go home for wearing American flag t-shirts to school)

As an immigrant,I am truly scratching my head. Where did commonsense go? Since when can't kids wear American flag t-shirts? Since when did free speech evaporate?

Within 48 hours, of course, cooler heads prevailed and the assistant principal's order was voided by the school superintendent. But the lesson was learned--educators took their eye off common sense, education, the public good, and other realities that should be front and center for our schools Case closed, we hope.

The bigger picture is that this is but another example of our education leaders not their eye on the prize, not focused on the goal of teaching and learning, taking sides among student groups, etc. The goal should be education. Where did that go?

And, of course, this brings me back to special education and how it is broken. Why? Because, here too, we have lost sight of the goal--teaching and learning for all students. Instead, we saddle schools with rules, regulations, lawsuits, fear, lack of trust, etc.--that truly have nothing to do with teaching and learning. And we get further from the goal that would serve us all.

Let's hope the t-shirts can lead the way back to common sense.

Virtual schools coming to Massachusetts!

2010-05-05T02:29:00.000-07:00

(Virtual schools coming to Greenfield Massachusetts)

You gotta love the marketplace and love American innovation! If there's a problem, someone will come along and fix it. If schools don't or won't or can't or whatever.. meet the needs of students,then go out and create a system that might meet the needs of different students. Thus we try charters, 'choice,' vouchers, private, home, special ed, GED, early college, drop out prevention, gifted and talented, tutoring, and lots of other options. Many options. The schools, called 'brick and mortar' with all the issues they have....are no longer the only way to go. And here's the latest. Attend school on line! Wow. Who would have thought that this is where the push to neighborhood and universal schools would take us...

Of course, we don't know how far this innovation will or can go. But we do know that schools are not meeting the needs of all students and that something(s) have to change.... So, good luck!

E.D. Hirsch reviews Diane Ravitch's book! A must read!

2010-05-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

(E.D. Hirsch's review of Diane Ravitch's book)

And here's a sad tale from England.How common is this?

2010-05-02T07:22:00.001-07:00

Bullied teachers? How common is this? So sad. Bullying can be torture. Here it was.

A sad tale from the UK. (Sad tale of bullied teachers)

No high school honors? No football honors?

2010-05-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

And no standing ovation at the play? Or an evening of appreciation at the community action efforts. I do not buy it.

Should high schools stop honoring students with awards at graduation? We knew this was coming--everyone is the same and no one should be compared to others..... Well, OK, then, no honors for football, band participation, being the star in the school play, tutoring children in local schools, doing environmental cleanup. Etc. We are all the same. I do not agree.

There is a time and place for various activities and for demonstrating appreciation for them by the greater community. Graduation is the time to honor academic achievement and partipation in the life of the school.

The story apparently started with a parent whose child's name on the list of high school graduates was between two students who had icons next to their names for specific honors--one the valedictorian and one headed to an Ivy League college. Her child just had the name on the list. Therefore, we are asked to stop schools from honoring student achievement at the highest levels. We are asked to just honor all students for getting through high school. I disagree. Since when do we want to change policies based on comparing one student with another? Since when do we want to limit achievement to the lowest common denominatory? Since when do we want to create a false sense of comfort and 'self esteem?' Since when do we want to pretend that competition does not exist in our world? What is helplful about that? I don't get it.

Check out the article for yourself.

(No honors at graduation?)

Parents! Shut off social network for middle schoolers!

2010-04-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a brave principal in New Jersey... story on CBS News and picked up by Joanne Jacobs at www.joannejacobs.com.
(School principal asks parents to shut down social network sites for middleschoolers).

We know that parents need to flex more muscle so students can focus on learning, not the damage caused by social networking. So, it is inspiring to read about a middle school principal who urges them to do just that. His email to families is gutsy. Let's wish them all success in reorienting students to real world (here and now) socializing and real learning in school.

HELP!

2010-04-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm doing an informal piece about the buzz word of the day, trust. Everyday in our papers and on the radio and the web, we see stories about the lack of trust in one arena or another.

Consider:

Teachers, unions and districts don't trust each other.

People's trust in the media is at a low level.
(trust in media at low level) "Trust is the Number 1 thing we are thinking about," says a Vice President and a senior editor at CNN. This story was also reported on Vermont Public Radio (Lack of trust in media)

People don't trust the government.

Parents and districts in special education disputes lack trust.

In President Reagan's day, it was "Trust but verify." Now, we seem to be onto "Can't trust, so fight." Our nation cannot stay on this course--it is dangerous, divisive, and totally unproductive. What shall we do?

My dear readers, if you have other examples or solutions, please send them along.

In my univere, I am working to promote 'trust based special education.' Your thoughts?

WE-- the answer!

2010-04-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Following up on the last post, the much better way.

When I talk to an 'employee' anywhere--in a store, a school, at the doctor's, if he uses the WE word I know the place is humming. "This is how we do it." How different that is from, "I don't make the rules..." or "THEY do it like that."

Getting people on board as team players doing what 'we do' is powerful.

"I didn't make the rule."

2010-04-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

When I tried to walk through the State House driveway, the guard stopped me. You can't go that way. What? "I didn't make the rule."

I turned around and went the other way....thinking.

How sad. He clearly did not believe in the rule he was enforcing. A prisoner of his job. And then I thought more. So many of the folks doing special education procedures feel the same way--"I didn't make the rule."

I'm stuck with it. I'll do it. But I don't believe it's a good rule. I don't believe it'll help kids learn.

It is sad when so many are stuck in jobs that they don't really believe are functioning as they should.

Leadership and trust in our schools

2010-04-22T06:08:00.001-07:00

I don't usually read the Huffington Post-- but this entry caught my eyes. (Our children in crisis).

Stephen R. Covey--we need parents to parent, teachers to teach, children to learn--we need to build trust, community, leadership. Sound familiar?

Yes, a very good read.

Time for 'trust-based special education'

2010-04-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

My angle to fix special education? It's not about getting more money... In my view, rather than more at this time--we need to spend what we have (already 20-40% of school budgets!) much better. Right now, too much goes for process, compliance, regulations, lawyers, etc. One of my special education director colleagues informally surveyed her teachers to find that special ed teachers spend about 19% of their time actually teaching! That is scary. We need to "educate, not litigate!"

My angle? We need what I call "trust-based special education." The current 35+ year old system is built on an adversarial footing, relying on parents to "advocate" for their children AGAINST the schools! Parents have to file complaints, due process hearings, etc. Through my book and the talks I'm giving, I hear a lot of "Thank you for saying what we all know. You have courage. Etc." We need to rebuild trust--without it, no one can teach effectively. Let's be honest about that!

Right now, some of us are working to build (slowly, slowly...) on the notion that teachers need time to teach, not time to document everything and worry about getting sued (practicing defensive education). We need to focus on education--not litigation. Procedures Lite seems to have caught people's attention. I'm happy to give you more info on this. As well, we (Special Education Day Committee) launched an alternate dispute resolution model, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, called "SpedEx." Alas,it seems not to have yet found willing partners. We're working on it. Little steps and persistence. We'll get there!

At this time, my approach is to use small steps to make a big difference. As in Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point and Chip and Dan Heath' Switch books... I call my approcah "back door [and legal!] strategies/solutions!" I gave a talk two weeks ago in San Antonio--much interest in this approach. And will do several talks here in New England in May/June.... Join us! Let me hear of your 'little steps to big effects' ideas! Together, let us finally fix special education and improve learning for ALL students!

New book on the Shut down learner. SDL not SLD!

2010-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Life is great, isn't it. Every day brings new ideas!

So here is Dr. Richard Selznick's book, The Shut-Down Learner--Helping your Academically Discouraged Child. (Shut down learner). This psychiatrist is trying to help kids without labeling them as disabled. So, it's SDL, not SLD! I love it!
It reminds me of my own book, Fixing Special Education--we need to focus on what kids can do, not just what they struggle with, etc. etc. etc. Not just dicing and splicing weaknesses that lead to discouraged learners. It also reminds me of one of my favorite books, Mindset--also the psychology of success, not labels.

Let's see how far SDL goes. We surely need all the new voices we can get for positive approaches.

Could we get into the college of our choice now?

2010-04-15T02:44:00.000-07:00

It's been said before and I'll say it again--it's tough being a student today. Getting into college used to have some benchmark certainty. For many elite colleges, there used to be 'Early admission' in January and regular admission in the middle of April. But now, we learn that colleges are hedging their bets and adding more high school students to their wait lists... no YES or NO on the first round for many. It's a tough year out there. (Colleges expanding waiting lists)

And it's been said before, at the end of the day, it's more about what students make of the college experience than which college they attend.

Good luck to all in the class of 2014!

Stop teaching reading in a vacuum!

2010-04-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

I always sit up and take notice when E.D. Hirsch sends out an alarm. He's the Core Knowledge guru--students need to learn basic knowledge about the world. Let's call that stuff. It turns out that reading cannot be taught in a vacuum as a series of discrete skills that are supposedly transferable.

It turns out that students who know stuff, can comprehend what they read better. Students who don't, can't comprehend the material before them--even if they can decode and have phonemic awareness. Isn't that plain as day? So obvious? Why has that been so hard to explain to a generation of educators? In math, too, students who don't know number facts (even if they have a calculator) are way behind. They are missing the basic building blocks of knowledge. Stuff. Obvious again.

(E.D. Hirsch on standards).

Too often, special education, as well, focuses on skills in isolation. Decoding, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, etc. With all the focus on skills, too often, these students are not exposed to a rich curriculum and learning stuff. So, E.D. Hirsch's warnings apply to students with disabilities as well. We need to teach stuff as well as skills. One without the other is unsatisfying. And it doesn't work well.

Innovation Schools Act of 2008 in Colorado

2010-04-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was just reading about this! How amazing-- a state law that actually encourages schools to develop programs to improve student outcomes--and to obtain waivers from policies that would get in the way of innovation! Wow. It's about time! Schools that are drowning in paperwork have a reprieve when they design effective programs for student learning.

That is exactly what we need in special education.
(Colorado's Innovation Schools Act)

For example, Procedures Lite, a Massachusetts program, should be expanded to schools nationwide! For information about Procedures Lite, please visit (Special Education Day)

Maybe there is hope. Let's hope.

Money's tight. Now what for special education?

2010-04-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Schools need to cut budgets. State funding is down. We all know that.

Special education is an entitlement program--the only one in our schools.

With tight budgets, what do we do about special education?

Maintain programs? Well, what of other students.

Cut programs? Well, what of the entitlement?

Cut the number of students covered? Easier said than done.

Any ideas?

May 27-- Massachusetts presentation on Fixing!

2010-04-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

(Discussion on Fixing Special Education at Accept Collaborative).

Would love to have you join the discussion in Natick, MA.

The theme.....Celebrating what's right; fixing what's not.
Let's build Trust-Based Special Education through Back Door (but legal!) Solutions.

See you on May 27!

NAEP: Whither that elusive gold standard?

2010-03-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

As my loyal readers know, I was a member of the NAGB (National Assessment Governing Board) panel of experts about the testing of students with disabilities on the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress). We worked to tighten the exclusion of too many students and the need for accommodations that maintain the NAEP's validity. HOPEFULLY, the new policy, newly adopted by the NAGB, will solve the challenges pointed out below by Richard Innes. If we can't compare apples to apples, then the NAEP truly loses its shine.

(Kentucky vs California and exclusions).

2009 NAEP scores are in!

2010-03-24T15:04:00.001-07:00

It's hard to know what the NAEP scores mean for students with disabilities--since we don't have a handle on the exclusion rates and accommodations policies that differ from town to town and state to state. Hopefully, once NAGB's new and improved (!) policy is implemented these test results will be more consistent and easier to interpret. At the end of the day, we would expect the scores of students with disabilities to be lower than those of their general education peers, due to their disabilities, but I'm not a statistician and can't estimate what the different ranges should be.

Classroom discipline issues caused(???) by bad parenting?

2010-03-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Look what came 'across the pond' from England!....

(Classroom discipline crisis caused by 'middle-class parents buying off their children' says British teachers union).

Their approach is to dock child government benefit of parents who fail to discipline their children and force parents to attend parenting classes.

We have these issues across the pond. As my loyal readers know, I too believe that parents should play an active role in their children's education and that our current laws do not encourage that. (Our current laws simply ask parents to 'advocate' for their children and demand information and file complaints. They do not ask parents to 'parent' their children, get them to bed on time, feed them properly, find them a quiet place to do school work, etc., etc. etc.

The Brits have a proposal. Is this the way to go with it? An interesting read.

Willingham on Obama's education proposals

2010-03-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

(New proposals for NCLB will not fix it)

I always enjoy reading Daniel Willingham--the cognitive scientist from University of Virginia. Loyal readers will see earlier blogs about his work (e.g., about the fact that 'learning styles' may not exist at all!)

It's great to see in print what I've always believed--that is, most teachers are good enough. Some great; some should leave the field, but most are capable of doing the job. Firing teachers may not improve education.

The issue is--what is the job we expect of them? Closing gaps? And who is responsible for getting it done? I don't believe student achievement should be placed on the backs of teachers. It is a shared responsibility--starting with the student him or herself, the parents, the teachers, the principals, the superintendents, the community, etc.

Willingham opines that the new NCLB proposals are long on WHAT we want to achieve (close gaps in challenging schools) but short on HOW we should do that. In my view, expand the responsiblity to where it belongs, starting with the student, the parents, etc... Then, we may really get somewhere --higher learning standards, not a race to the bottom.

National standards impinge on Massachusetts?

2010-03-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts has high standards. Massachusetts students do well on NAEP and international tests. Now, comes the proposal for 'voluntary' national standards (voluntary because states don't have to follow them if they are willing to forgo national funds. Good luck with that! By history, states all fall in line sooner or later.) People who have read the proposal are telling us that the national standards are lower than Massachusetts (and Virginia? and other states with high standards?) standards.

Now what? Where will it settle down. Where will the compromises lead? My fear is that the voluntary national standards will settle down in some vague, 'lowest common denominator' middle. Not a good place.

(Will Massachusetts maintain its high standards?). An important story to watch.

Education in top story spot in NY Times!

2010-03-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

(redoing education again!)

Fire the Parents, not the Teachers, says Maher

2010-03-13T17:35:00.001-08:00

(Fire the parents, not the teachers)

The good news is that education is on the front burner. People are chiming in. This opinion has a lot going for it. A lot.

I remember Al Shanker discussing in his NY Times column, Where we stand, a related issue... "Imagine saying we should shut down a hospital and fire its staff because not all of its patients became healthy." He concluded by saying that students won't learn if they don't work harder. And they are unlikely to work harder if they hear that all of their teachers will be fired if they don't. How does that make sense? It does not--not in the real world of hard work and working at learning.

Bill Maher is onto something. Unfortunately, our laws expect parents to sit back and watch the school educate their children. The laws tell parents to make demands and complain, but not to 'parent,' doing the hard work of helping their children be better students. There is work to be done. We need to have parents do it. Maybe Bill's will be a wakeup call!

In case you missed it....

2010-03-11T05:20:00.000-08:00

My early March interview with comments it received in Education News.org. is now archived. In case you missed it, the URL is:

(Interview about Fixing Special Education)

Another wake up call for US schools

2010-03-11T04:22:00.001-08:00

Yet another wake up call--testimony before Congress, as it considers reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

(Many countries passing U.S. in education)

What amazes me in this and other news stories that bemoan the state of America’s schools, is silence on the positive role of parents. While the article mentions that our students are 'overentertained and distracted,' and that we should do something about that, again we would be tackling the symptom, not the cause, of our situation.

The laws and policies we have expect nothing from parents, beyond making demands for information from schools, complaining if things go wrong, advocating for their children (against their schools), and (in special ed), filing law suits.. The laws do not expect parents TO PARENT their children. How amazing is that! While our President has used the bully pulpit well, reminding parents to turn off TVs, put children to bed on time, feed them well, help them with schoolwork, etc., our laws and public policies remain silent on this parental role. It’s as if we expect schools to do it all! Well, that hasn’t worked.

Rather than just comparing our nation's schools to those of others (South Korea, Finland, Poland, as the article does), how about comparing our nation's school-family climate to theirs. I believe a pot of gold lies in that comparison. It is time to take it on.

The 2010 UPDATED IEP and 504 TEAM book is here!

2010-03-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

The updated 2010 book, IEP and Section 504 Team Meetings... and the Law is now available. For information, please visit my website, (SchoolLawPro) or email me at miriam@schoollawpro.com

May your TEAM meetings ROCK!

New NAEP accommodation and exclusion policy!

2010-03-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

At last! Here is is. NAEP's new policy.

(NAEP's NEW accommodation and exclusion policy for students with disabilities and English language learners)

Let's hope it is implemented consistently and leads to valid results on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the 'nation's report card.'

As a member of the expert panel for students with disabilities, I am gratified that the work is nearing completion. This new policy will lead to consistent results and is consistent with students' Individualized Education Programs.

Too many students in special education in Pittsburgh

2010-03-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

(Too many students labeled). This article summarizes a recent analysis of the Pittsburgh Public Schools special education programs.

Even as progress and promise in its special education programming are highlighted and acknowledged, the report leaves us with troubling questions about labeling students. The Council of the Great City Schools report can be found at (Great City Schools report on Pittsburgh special education)

The numbers are troubling...
18.2% of all students are labeled for special education.
16.9% of special ed students are labeled as 'emotionally disturbed.'
Of these,black students are three times as likely to be labeled than white students. Recall that old story (2005) in the New York Times, "Special Education Seen as a Trap for Many Minority Students."

According to the report, too many teachers and staff members are still using special education as an escape hatch when students have learning or behavior issues.

Whither true reform and transformation in our special education system?

Rethinking education reform...

2010-03-04T06:23:00.000-08:00

(Joanne Jacobs summarizes reviews of Diane Ravitch's new book).

I just got the book! It's turning out to be a must-read for those of us interested in improving public education for all students.

As a history major and former 'social studies' teacher, I do look forward to reading the historical perspective--and to understanding how one education leader came to change her views on education reform.

Let's celebrate what's right and fix what's wrong!

2010-03-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

As you may remember, I was interviewed by EducationNews.org before New Year about my new book, Fixing Special Education--12 Steps to Transform a Broken System.

It's time to celebrate what's right and fix what's wrong.

Well, that interview/commentary became the 'most commented' and 'most popular' for several months! That positive response was awesome! I do believe this discussion gives voice to many folks who have been silent, even as they know the system is broken.

So, today the follow-up interview was published! I hope that in shedding light on our broken system, we will be moved to work together to fix it. Let's celebrate what's right and fix what's wrong! (Second interview)

I'd love to get your comments!

Miriam

Check out today's EducationNews.org!

2010-03-02T04:18:00.000-08:00

Fixing Special Education-- check it out in today's Educationnews.org "Commentary." This is the follow-up interview. It focuses on how the book is doing and how it's being used in upcoming programs around the country. As well, some clarifications and next steps. Fun! (Miriam's 2nd interview about Fixing Special Education)

Your thoughts?

Reminds me of song, "Promises, Promises..."

2010-02-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

...stop making promises."

Common sense has always known that promises made far into the future will be painful in the future. So, here is the Boston Globe's report of runaway health care costs in Massachusetts. And we all know it's not just Massachusetts. And in education, we now have stories that once the stimulus funds leave special ed and other programs, many schools will be stuck with promises they made based on those funds which may not be there next year, etc. etc. etc.

(future health care promises)

Where are ocmmonsense answers to stuff we all know?

Diane Ravitch's new book--I can't wait to read it!

2010-02-26T06:56:00.001-08:00

Have you seen it yet? Have you read it yet? The Death and Life of the Great American School System-- How Testing and Choice are Undermining Education. That subtitle really got me. Here's the link to the Washington Post piece about it. And, the Amazon link to the book. It's on my to-do list for today!

(Diane Ravitch's new book)

(Amazon link for Death and Life of the Great American School System)

The new and improved SpedEx is up and running!

2010-02-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

SpedEx-- Massachusetts' new and innovative dispute resolution model is up and running! Congratulations to all who worked tirelessly to reach this day.

SpedEx is designed to resolve disputes between schools and parents after an IEP (Individualized Education Program) has been rejected or a hearing has been requested. It is a voluntary program, whereby the child will be assured a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the Least restrictive environment (LRE) in an expeditious and trust building way. The parents and school district jointly select a consultant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education list to help them determine an appropriate program for the child.

SpedEx is here! How great is that! Let's hope that parents take advantage of this pilot program and that they rebuild trust and work together for the child's education.

For more information, please visit:

(SpedEx--the innovative dispute resolution model)

"The interests of teachers and children are not the same."

2010-02-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

The move is on--as teachers are laid off, it's last hired, first fired. There is movement to change that. The other side? Seniority rules and teachers unions, claiming it's the only objective standard. I'm amazed that this story has gotten so far--in the Wall Street Journal. I was struck by the last line, stating that when it comes to key union contract provisions, like seniority, "the interests of teachers and children are not the same." How sad is that. That says it all, really. Check out this story. It'll be interesting to see if it has legs.
(Seniority rules under pressure)

Still the Most Commented, in case you missed it!

2010-02-21T19:04:00.001-08:00

My interview with Education News at (Fixing Special Education) is still the "Most Commented!" Check it out in case you missed it. It's in two parts.... Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.

Onward and upward to FIX our broken special education system.

Down with parents?! A provocative title, Jay Mathews.

2010-02-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

By now, you've heard of that California law whereby a vote of 51% of parents in a school can close that school, change that school, fire staff, etc.

(Down with parents)

Jay Mathews raises some concerns about it. A thought provoking and interesting read. And frankly, I am not sure how this should be handled....

My concern is the following--one I've raised many times before. When are we finally going to use 'common sense' and create a law/policy/bully pulpit so schools and parents have to work together to improve schools. We need policies that encourage parents to parent their children, to help their children learn not just to be activists against their schools. I take my clues from President Obama's urging parents to help their kids learn more--read to them, talk to them, put them to bed on time, feed them nutritious food, work with teachers, etc. You get the idea. Etc. Etc. Etc.

If we gave that policy a good run, and that failed, I'd be more optimistic about the California law. Without it, I see merit in Mr. Mathews' concerns.

Your thoughts?

Jay Mathews' column: Teachers matter more than polls.

2010-02-15T10:27:00.001-08:00

The column deals with controversies in Washington DC. However, if we can strip away those politics, this column makes sense beyond that city. In schools, teachers matter the most. We should focus all policies and practices on improving teaching and learning...Success breeds support. Support the teachers in classrooms. Leave them free to teach. Why is that so complicated?

(Teachers matter more than polls)

Great Valentine's Day Story!

2010-02-14T07:09:00.000-08:00

A drop out program that's working at Charlestown H.S. in Boston. Good teaching. Motivated students. Academic and non academic standards. A beatiful story.

(Drop out program focused on learning that's working)

Virtual schools...

2010-02-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

Interesting piece by Jay Mathews... Yes, virtual schools may be growing because they are cost effective, but I think there's lots more to it.

Are people going to virtual schools also because the public schools often do not provide for their children? Consider the NCLB's focus on closing gaps for those without basic skills-- to a rather mediocre middle. Well, what about the top half? What focus is there for them? Maybe that is part of the reason.

Also, consider the student discipline issues in many schools, taking precious time away from the learning of others. Could that be a reason too?

Also, consider... well, you get the idea. There may be lots of causes, beyond the usual suspects.

In short, do virtual schools give parents the right to vote with their feet without having to move out of their houses or apartments, and without having to argue with their school districts?

(Virtual schools are growing)