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Sunday, February 26, 2023

ICYMI: The Shortest Month Edition (2/26)

Well, that was quick. Maybe it was just that so much was packed in--here in Western PA, last Thursday was sunny and 70, and Saturday morning it was 19 degrees and snowy. 

Here's your reading list for the week. I'll remind you to share; the social media world is much harder to break through than it used to be, and every share you give for something you believe worthwhile is a huge help. 

The racist idea that changed American education

Matt Barnum has always been one of my favorite Chalkbeat reporters. Here he is at Vox with a great deep dive into how a landmark Supreme Court decision was shaped by the racist idea that poor children can't learn.


Another dep dive at Vox, this time from Rachel Cohen. It's a look at that mysterious territory between the end of the school day and the moment that parents get home from work. What can we do with it (and can we find the will and $$ to do it).


Nancy Bailey asks the big question and looks at some polling answers.

California sinks millions into teacher residency programs, but many can't afford to enroll

California has a good idea for teacher development--except that it involves trying to live for a year with virtually no income.

School Vouchers: There Is No Upside

Josh Cowen at the Albert Shanker Institute with a quick, clear explainer on the downsides of voucher systems.

Who Wants to Teach in Florida?

At The American Prospect, Luca Goldmansour breaks down the many ways in which Ron DeSantis is chasing teachers away, producing the highest teacher vacancy rates in the country.

An Open Letter to the Senate Education PreK-12 Committee re. SB202

At Accountabaloney, a response to the newest bill to push voucher expansion in Florida. Here's why that's a bad idea, and why public schools are getting a bad rap.

Old guard Arkansas Republicans pushed aside in school choice fight

From Arkansas, the discouraging tale of old school GOP politicians who are acknowledging defeat. “The rich want vouchers. That’s who this legislation is for. The rich. They want it and they are going to get it. I am sorry but that’s just the truth."

Starting Out in a Land Less Free

Anne Lutz Fernandez considers what it's like being a young woman today and having to factor in legalities of women's health care when considering where to go to school. 


Thomas Ultican looks at the work of Maurice Cunningham and draws out some extra special profiles.

Legalize Black History

Jesse Hagopian at The Progressive with a piece looking at the continuing flap over African American studies.

Ron DeSantis’ use of government power to implement agenda worries some conservatives

If it seems to you that Ron DeSantis's policies aren't really very conservative, well, there are some conservatives who agree. Some good quotes in this CNN piece, including the head of FIRE saying "You cannot censor your way to freedom of expression."

Eight Observations about Boredom in the Classroom

Nancy Flanagan once again on this list, this time with some reflections about those students who complain that they're bored.

Students Crave Opportunities to be Creative

Steven Singer talks about what students really want (spoiler alert: not more standardized tests).

Teacher Charged After Crypto Mining Operation Discovered in School Crawl Space

Clearly a new frontier in teacher side gigs. This news from Massachusetts comes vis Gizmodo.


This week I put out a new piece at Bucks County Beacon looking at the scam that is Pennsylvania's cyber schools. At Forbes.com, a look at how Oklahoma's new attorney general says that the previous guy got it wrong on the whole religious charter school thing. 

You're still welcome to join me in substack land, where you get everything I'm writing out into the world all in one place. And it's free.







1 comment:

  1. Your blog is so great and informative. I'm so tempted to forward that Nancy Flanagan post about boredom to any parent who ever tries to excuse their child's misbehavior in class by claiming she's bored because she's "gifted". And this is coming from a teacher who can do edutainment with the best of 'em. :D

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