Just when you thought that you had heard it all, that “education reform” couldn’t get any zanier, EduShyster discovers that 50CAN is offering a Hogwarts University of Reform.
You won’t believe the faculty–many of whom unfortunately are deceased–and it won’t surprise you to learn that there is only one major.
Laugh along with EduShyster, but when you are done, ask yourself who makes up this foolishness, and does anyone believe it?
I had to go to the 50CAN website to confirm for myself that this is a serious project, so serious that they hope to raise $7.7 million to affect education policy in the US. We need to take this seriously, even if it is ludicrous.
Speaking of Hogwarts, a friend sent this to me a number of years ago that I still makes me shake my head.
http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2011/08/dept-of-education-reassures-public.html
This is clearly a Hogwarts under the tenure of Dolores Umbrage.
We used to play a game called “recast the movie” in which we took classics and figured out who should play the parts if the movie was redone. Here are my choices for recasting a few of the roles:
Michelle Rhee as Dolores Umbrage (needs no explanation)
Diane Ravitch as Hermione (she’s smarter than the rest and knows all the right spells; Diane would also be good as Dumbledore, the wise leader)
Arne Duncan as Cornelius Fudge (probably not even aware of the extent he’s being used)
Bill Gates as Mr. Malfoy (wealthy and thinks he’s better than others)
I have way too many choices for Voldemort. Anyone else with good ideas?
Eli Broad as Voldemort, seldom seen until needed as a focal point. Wendy Kopp as a house elf. This may take a little thought, it is a fun diversion.
Yes! Any house elf but Dobby.
Corrupticut once again! http://jonathanpelto.com/2013/06/28/paul-vallas-093-superintendent-certificate-vs-a-normal-persons-092-intermediate-administrator-certificate/#disqus_thread
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is actually one of the best parodies of Ed Reform I’ve ever read. Pity we can’t use fireworks and magical beasts to end it all now.
You’re right. The perversion and regimentation of education is one of the central themes. Also the need for courage and concerted action to fight back against injustice.
Not to mention having to teach under the radar of They Who Must Not be Named. I wish I could get a hold of a Room of Requirement! It would make my job a lot easier.
Among others on this list, I especially cannot imagine that Nelson Mandela or his family would approve of being listed as part of this “faculty.” [insert gagging noises here]