What is happening in education today is so hard to believe, so completely outrageous, that it is hard to write satire.
Twenty years ago, suppose you read a story about school officials closing down public schools and handing them over to private entrepreneurs. You would think that was really funny, right?
Suppose you read a story about for-profit schools getting public money. Ridiculous, right?
Suppose you read something predicting that Wall Street hedge fund managers had a plan to reform public education. You would laugh out loud.
No one is laughing now. It is all happening.
But here is a satire about a teacher who dares to assign a book.
Is this funny or ridiculous?
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Satire is easier than parody, though. With parody you have to invent something even more absurd than the everyday reality.
Not an easy task anymore …
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Note that a couple obviously thoughtful, articulate teachers in the comment section at first thought it was a real news story. Unfortunately, those who have structured an environment where the piece seems plausible probably lack the empathy or sense of irony needed to feel the ouch even if they actually read it.
JMB
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With Common Core, I have been told, the reading novels is no longer necessary or required. Lessons are based on just a chapter or selection before moving on to another text. I teach second grade, so this is not an issue for me. I just can’t imagine having students not read a whole novel.
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Funny, ridiculous and downright scary, because I see it happening in our school. 3 more years, but who’s counting, right? I think I can, I think I can……..
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It’s happening now. Unfortunately, it’s not that satirical.
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It is more than scary because the PC talk by the principal to push computer program is what is heard in classrooms daily by the “administration” in whatever form it takes! Having been a teacher with high scores, my fellow teacher friends and I are sickened that this very same, dumbing down of the curriculum and teacher’s right to teach to their particular classroom make up, is no joke! The “one size fits all” theory of lesson plans is required by many principals…right! Same lesson plan with NO alterations for inner city and high achieving buildings. Makes this satire sound almost sane by comparison!
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You may recall that Jonathan Kozol was fired for insisting on using a poem by Langston Hughes. Thanks to teachers who work hard to make a difference with/for youngsters.
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