Parents, there is one sure way to stop the testing mania that is devouring your child’s education: Say NO to the next round of field tests, scheduled for June 2 to June 11. Don’t let Pearson and the State Education Department steal more time from your child that should be spent learning, playing, dancing, singing, and studying.
Want to learn more about the campaign to Change the Stakes? Open this link to go to the webpage of Change the Stakes. You will find practical information about how to opt out of the field testing.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Done! My daughter is opting out of the US History field test.
Sharon, good for you. Have her read a book instead.
Thanks Diane! Our school gave the US history test this week. The principal and her teacher were very responsive to my request. She went to the library instead. Because she is a junior and my youngest, this was probably my one and only chance to opt-out of any state assessments or field tests. But, hurray for small victories!
Sharon, small victories have a way of turning into big victories
This movement desperately needs funding so that it can hire folks to do organization and education. There are many, many well-funded CCSS/privatization shill groups–Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Students First [sic], etc.
Among our billionaires, is there ONE who might be willing to become the CounterRheeformation’s champion?
In a better world, of course, the teachers’ unions would be the well-funded group carrying this anti-deform message to the country, but we know the story there, alas!
In fact, the single most powerful anti-deform force in the country consists of
one woman with a laptop
and those who read her.
I am certain that, in the end, she will win these battles. Talk about David and Goliath!!!!
Diane, thank you for all that you do.
Bob Shepherd: what you said.
Pardon me as I come at this from a slightly different angle. To use a clichéd phrase: what is the role of the individual in history?
I am reminded of my first full-time job out of high school. I worked with many vets. Among them, many Vietnam vets. Most had spent their tours on air force bases, relatively safe, but a few had been on the ground. One is particular had the admiration of all the vets with whom I worked.
He had been a “point man.” As it was explained to me many times, on the very dangerous daily patrols, the best way to stay alive and make it home was to let the best soldier take the lead. This had nothing to do with rank or time in service or the like. It was all about someone with the courage to be the first to enter enemy territory, someone who could recognize a thousand devious and deadly traps, someone who could provide the kind of guidance and help to those behind him so as to give the others a better chance of winning a fight—must importantly, the fight to stay alive. The coolest, clearest head. When the lead man went down, the whole group stopped—it was like suddenly being blinded and not being so sure anymore of just where you needed to go and just what you needed to do.
Of course, both sides targeted the “point men” on the other side.
I will let others google the word “fragging”—a number of vets told me they had firsthand knowledge of such instances. Who were the targets? The gung-ho John Wayne types that would come fresh from basic, recklessly and noisily leading patrols headlong into battle, ready to uselessly and unnecessarily sacrifice themselves and everyone else. The worst kind of “point men.”
The “point man” didn’t do all, or most, of the work. But someone had to be the first to venture forth, putting himself at even greater risk to ensure the safety of everyone else and the success of the mission.
Different battles, different requirements. On this battleground, to save public schools and to ensure a “better education for all,” the owner of this blog is taking point.
Let me be clear: she’s not the only one. And she is not literally risking her life as the man I am writing about did. But she has put herself, her life’s work, and her [I do not write this lightly] sacred reputation on the line to advance what I consider to be a truly noble cause.
What can one person do? When most everyone else is sitting down, afraid or confused or in shock, a lone individual—occupying a prominent spot that can be seen by the rest—stands up, raises her voice, rallies support to her side—
She is taking point. Not an easy task. But an old dead Greek guy put well what effect that can have—
“A decent boldness ever meets with friends.” [Homer]
See y’all down at Pink Slip Bar & Grille. A toast to our “point woman.”
😎
That is, again, very beautifully said, KrazyTA. You express extraordinarily well exactly what I have felt about the work that Diane is doing.
“But she has put herself, her life’s work, and her [I do not write this lightly] sacred reputation on the line to advance what I consider to be a truly noble cause.”
Bob Shepherd: high praise indeed from the person that coined one of the best one-line descriptions of CCSS—
“Think: Literature instruction that SKIPS OVER THE LITERATURE; instruction in the reading of nonfiction texts that SKIPS OVER THE CONTENT.”
But don’t give me so much credit. Those words can’t emerge unless there is a worthy subject that can call them forth.
So while I thank you for your kind words, I must thank the owner of this blog even more for all her efforts on behalf of a “better education for all.”
Who says you can’t be up and running even with a bad knee?
😎
lol
Edgemont just said NO!
Hooray on behalf of Edgemont students.
Cross posted at Oped News
http://www.opednews.com/Quicklink/Change-the-Stakes-in-General_News-Change_Consequences_Parents_Policy-140531-250.html#comment492145
Where is the National PTA? This must become a rallying cry across the nation.