Vol. 11, No. 17
R&R. National samples of student Reading and 'Rithmetic scores are out today, and it looks like while our 9 and 13 year-olds are showing slight gains in math and reading over their 2004 counterparts, 17 year-olds have plateaued since the early 1970's. Today's release from the National Assessment of Educational Progress is a periodic, long-term trend assessment of student achievement. As far as the achievement gap is concerned, no progress has been made to close the divide between white students and minorities since NAEP's last evaluation in 2004. Bottom line, the evaluation shows that American students of graduation age are still only achieving at a similar level to those in 1973. While preliminary data might provide encouragement, it's sad to note that the longer our kids stay in school, the less prepared they seem to be to face the challenges of the future.
UNION OXYMORON. Meanwhile while Rome burns, Nero is still fiddling. Yesterday's announcement that four major foundations were coming together to fund The American Federation of Teacher's Innovation Fund was a shock to most people who recognize that teachers union reform is an oxymoron. In this era of perestroika that seems to have been set among all education stakeholders, the already generously funded (by dues) union is drawing generous donations from 4 major philanthropies who have somehow been convinced that giving funds to this behemoth will actually yield results. While scores of organizations and new schools struggle to get started to challenge the status quo that still gives us paltry test scores, such investments seem truly without reason. Perhaps we can provide some examples to the foundation community to amplify this point...
WISH LIST. What would you recommend Gates, Broad, Mott and Ford spend their funds on if you had their attention for a few minutes? Where are the holes in education reform? What is getting too much money? What is not getting enough? Give us your recommendation. We'll produce our survey findings next week.
FOLLOW THE MONEY. Perhaps the AFT needs new money because it's spending so much to fight DC's school chancellor on her efforts to bring about Obama-backed merit pay. Or perhaps their donations to ACORN and other groups now engaged in opposing the reauthorization of NYC's Mayoral control of education has drained their coffers. A collective called Campaign for Better Schools appears to be, according to the New York Post, a front group for the AFT which has long advocated to put control for schools back in the hands of a school board which it can better influence at the ballot box.
IF I HAD A HAMMER... Catch the latest version of Peter, Paul and Mary's tribute to the battle for School Choice in Washington, DC.
In other news...
• An Oklahoma court has upheld the constitutionality of charter schools in the Sooner State after a fruitless two-year battle waged by the Tulsa School District against the Oklahoma Education Department and the Oklahoma Charter School Association.
• Florida legislators have moved to strengthen the state's choice and accountability program by passing House legislation granting greater tax credits to insurance companies in the state, potentially boosting the funding for a program that allows parents to choose the best school for their child.
• Bridgeport, CT Mayor Bill Finch wants to tackle the problem of his town's failing schools by bringing choice to bear locally. The parent of a child trapped within the confines of a particular zip code himself, Finch says, "I perpetuate the creation of an underclass every day I open my [schools] up, because I can't catch up. I can't get my kids to catch up."
• A Philadelphia, PA charter with a commitment to educating young men made front page news yesterday for its crew team's success, success that mirrors the most elite private schools. Providing such opportunities - and responsibilities - for these young men from the inner city is what education by charter is all about.
SHARE THE LOVE. For parents, teachers and friends of charter schools who want to shout your support from the rooftops - or your ride - during National Charter Schools Week, May 4-8 - order your bumper stickers today!
