President Obama says he will veto the House version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Reauthorization Act (ESEA). He does not like the Senate version either.
Suppose nothing happens, no bill is passed, then what?
Category Archives: Public Education
Sweden Shows U.S. How to Fail
Back in the 90s, Sweden had free Pre K for all students. There was no selective admissions. Everyone went to public schools. The system thrived, and their first PISA achievement scores were very high.
Then the Swedes bought into school choice. They have the greatest decline in achievement of any OECD nation. What happened? We can learn from them.
Charters in Perspective: A Quick Quiz and Answers
Are you aware of the Spencer Foundation’s Charter in Perspective Project? Issues are presented from different perspectives e.g. parental choice, preservation of public schools, and test beds for innovation.
Just for fun, here are some quick questions drawn from information on the site.
- What percentage of students are enrolled in charter schools in the U.S.? What is the percentage in New Orleans?
- Is public opinion about charter schools well informed?
- On average, how do traditional and charter students compare on achievement gains?
If you prefer a Common Core critical thinking question, you might ask:
- How would you account for the difference between the reasons parents give for sending children to charters and the charters parents actually select?
The answers and much more follow.
Collier County Citizens Organize in Support of Public Schools
by Beth Povlo
Concerned citizens in Collier County, Florida decided that it was time to stand up and be counted in support of finding constructive solutions to the challenges facing our public schools.
They organized the Coalition for Quality Public Education.
In this post, Beth Povlo explains their origin and mission. As groups like these become active, their voices will be heard.
Who are the Winners and Losers in School Choice?
Feature of the Week
Parents care not only about the quality of education offered but also the mix of children in a school. How does the premise that “More choice should produce a better educational fit between what parents want for their children and ultimately lead to better educational outcomes” work out over time?
This study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research looks at data from North Carolina. We all need to understand the consequences of choice.
Collier School Board Splits Over Charter Schools
Two newly elected Collier County school board members have much in common. Their families started Mason Classical Academy, a charter school. They tend to vote together.
Other board members take exception to their stance against public schools. A group of citizens has organized to support public schools. The battle lines have formed.Continue reading
Nashville Harnesses the Community to Improve Public Schools
by Anne-Marie Farmer
Community Achieves is making a difference in Nashville’s public schools. How are they doing it? Anne-Marie Farmer explains how their communities are helping students and their families.
The cost is small; the impact is large.Continue reading
McCall vs. Scott Lawsuit on Tax Credit Scholarships Thrown Out
Judge Reynolds disallowed the FEA lawsuit against the Florida tax credit scholarship program today. The ruling has been anticipated for months.
What is his rationale?
Then and Now: A Letter from Leesburg
I can hear the sadness in this letter. It is about change in a town she loves.
The Villages Charter School Removes 140 Students
Can you imagine that a public school can tell you to transfer your child to another school because the company you work for no longer is eligible to send children there?
The Villages is an age restricted, gated community in Sumter County with over 100,000 residents–no children allowed. They have a charter school. They just told 140 students they can no longer attend. Something is unreal.Continue reading