Jersey Jazzman, aka Mark Weber, is an expert on Newark school reform. As a teacher, researcher, and blogger, he has reported and analtzed every twist and turn of the Newark story.
Who better, then, to fact check Dale Russakoff’s new book, “The Prize,” which tells the story of what happened to Mark Zuckerberg’s gift of $100 million to reform the schools of Newark. The gift came in response to a request by them-Mayor Cory Booker and newly-elected Governor Chris Christie.
It is a good read and an important review. I wish Russakoff had interviewed Mark Weber.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Jersey Jazzman’s review shows that he should have been the writer telling this story as he has a deep understanding of the issues and people in Newark. In addition, to pointing out some flaws the the analysis and approach, he uses data to support his assertions. He alludes to a huge problem inherent in all public-charter school arrangements, inefficiency. Taxpayers are paying for duplicate fixed costs such as utilities, insurance, maintenance and administration. The charters in Newark spend a lot more on administration because the top people are paid enormous salaries. Despite having a lower cost per pupil, charters are costing us more by decreasing efficiency as many of the fixed cost items in charter could be rolled into public budgets. He also points out the charters may be spending more than the listed per pupil amount as they don’t have to report “donations.” Jazzman’s review highlights many issues confronting the public-charter relationship in many cities, not just Newark.
Amen. Russakoff missed the forest for the trees. She did a reasonable job of showing the corruption behind the use of the “gift” and the implementation of “reform”, but she still accepts all the underlying assumptions of “reform”, so she completely missed the larger picture. Loved JJ’s review and I agree that he should have written the book.
darn. I pre-ordered it and I will still read it; but I was hoping for more. 😦
I Mom, having read Rusakoff’s article “Schooled,” I think you’ll find The Prize a good read notwithstanding. But continue to check Jersey Jazzman’s blog and hope for some change in Newark.
Do they make an educational consultant beanie baby that sells for 300K? That might have been a better investment.
TAGO!
JJ should write a book on the subject.
O/T but has anyone read the book Mission High by Kristina Rizga?