I received this comment after writing that Moses had to take his people into the desert for 40 years because a new generation had to be born who would think as free men, not slaves.
Kathy wrote this:
Dear Diane: Learning how to think like free people/educators and not slaves really is the central message. I am hoping you have a slew of press appearances when the September book debuts. I know that will be physically taxing so please, everybody send Diane the required energy because we desperately need you to broadcast loud and clear. This may be our collective last chance to really get the word out. The corporate culture of NCLB and the advent of Common Core are the new Jim Crow but this incarnation is attacking the growth and development of every USA child. Crippled citizens won’t take this nation forward and neither will an oligarchy nurtured in a wave of not very good, (segregated by color and class) private and charter schools. This is a democracy where we receive our possibilities from one another, a gift and a responsibility. Kathy
Kathy, I need your good wishes, and even your prayers. Given my age, I need all the energy you can send my way.
There will be many speaking engagements, many opportunities to explain to the public what we should be doing instead of demonizing teachers and public education.
Hopefully, even some TV time, though I don’t know about that yet. Until now, the privatizers have commanded the air waves.
I promise I will stand up for you, I will fight for you.
I can’t do it alone.
I need you.
I need all the Badass Teachers.
I need everyone to speak up, act up, act out, in defense of children’s right to a childhood; in defense of a noble profession, which is being destroyed by heedless politicians; in defense of public education, which is an essential institution in a democratic society.
You may find this hard to believe, Kathy, but I think the tide is turning.
I think the whole ed reform project is collapsing in slow motion.
Not only is the public awakening to the damage the “reformers” are doing, but every one of their ill-founded ideas has failed.
Thus far, they have “succeeded” only in demoralizing teachers and principals, closing public schools by the dozens, and turning education into nothing more than testing and test prep.
We will win, because we are on the right side of children and of education and of democracy.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I know most of us don’t have the luxury of acting on this thought, for financial reasons, but that doesn’t make it any less true:
“If a school or state education official believes that you don’t fit into their system because you speak out against things that you know to be harmful to the kids, they are probably right.”
By this I don’t mean to encourage people to leave their schools, but to stop fearing the rejection that may come from speaking out. It isn’t your fault if people in charge of your workplace decide to contort that workplace into something horrific. It’s not a poor reflection on the job that YOU do. Unfortunately, we live in a time when the best of teachers may be the ones who are let go.
LikeLike
Very well said Kathy.
Diane, as you consider visits to Dallas, I would be honored to help in any way. Just let me know. I’m working on a simple project to have parents write letters to their children to start off the school year in Dallas ISD. We “only” ask they write about their dreams for their child, and a story of two from their personal history they want their child to remember as an adult. That’s a pretty powerful “only” isn’t it?
While only 11 of the 230 DISD schools are preparing to have students write a response to this potentially priceless letter, it still can pass on the most significant message possible to a child. Hopefully we can start an annual tradition, building toward passing on the torch to the next generation. What better way is their to pass on our strengths from generation to generation, evolving into an increasingly strong and free culture?
LikeLike
Sunday’s a good time for some theological reflection, and while my family’s at church, why now?
Diane, you missed it (Randi was there), but at Karen’s Bas Mitzvah the book chosen was Joshua. I just chuckled, since it’s been one of my favorites since I first read through all those stories — just to know the founding narratives first hand rather than the catechism or Cliffs Notes versions — when I was in high school in New Jersey.
My family has three sons: Daniel; Samuel; and Joshua. So when they want to, our boys can go to the earliest Book and read the Book of Danny, the Book of Sam, and the Book of Josh.
But the Book of Josh is the most interesting, for me. Challenging for some, maybe many. From the idea that the only people destined to survive the day after were those who spent the night in the whore house to the notion that sometimes some very serious actions are necessary…
Well, nobody said these tasks would be easy. Then or now. Or accessible to those who want to oversimplify complex reality.
LikeLike
Dear Diane, Please remember what you wrote in your review in the New York Review of Books about the Finnish education system, especially the way its teacher are prepared for their profession.
Years ago I saw a television a documentary about the experiences of a Finnish high school student who spent one year in a high school in the U.S. She was shocked and dismayed by that experience, as I was in viewing the program: the absence of substantial intellectual content in the courses, and the play acting in courses for credit.
Certainly there are serious problems in the quality of public education which should not be overlooked or ignored as you focus on criticizing the movement for privatization, for vouchers, and for charter schools that undermine the finances allotted for public schools.
Vivian R. Gruder Professor of History, Emerita Queens College, CUNY
Sent from my iPad
LikeLike
Dr. Gruder,
I have never retreated one inch from my deep concern for an intellectually meaningful education.
The current deification of test scores does not move us in that direction.
I have long been a critic of intellectual vapidness, whatever its source. I have criticized education schools for ignoring content, but I don’t think the way to improve them is to blow them up.
Diane Ravitch
LikeLike
Good luck, you are not alone,all in solidarity with public education here in Los Angeles.
LikeLike
“I need everyone to speak up, act up, act out, in defense of children’s right to a childhood; in defense of a noble profession, which is being destroyed by heedless politicians; in defense of public education, which is an essential institution in a democratic society.”
I will take your words, Dr. Ravitch, with me as I start another teaching year.
A “thank you” is not enough for all the work you do on behalf of teachers and students.
LikeLike
Ms. Ravitch, You have been an inspiration and a voice in the wilderness. Thanks for all you do and for keeping me informed and updated on the upheaval and turmoil facing our schools and children…and yes, I have joined the BAT and have begun speaking to everyone who will listen. Hoping parents and teachers will begin to unravel the damage in our state of New Jersey.
thank you, Karen Carinha. First grade teacher
Sent from my iPad
LikeLike
You’re like a friend I never met that I talk about all the time. 🙂 You have that kind of influence because of your intentions. Your positive outlook and expertise is obvious and I enjoy everything you write about because I learn so much and share it. I often wonder…does Diane have more hours in a day than I do? How does she keep this up? Take care of yourself. Sending lots of energy and prayers your way!!! Thank you for your hard work.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jeannette. I go to sleep late and wake up early. Not a good formula for longevity, but I’m still here!
LikeLike
“I go to sleep late and wake up early. Not a good formula for longevity,”
My friend, I am going to have to disagree with you here!
According to my reading on the subject, vigorous activity, both mental and physical, help us to achieve longer lifespans…Of course good genes help, too.
At any rate, grateful for you!
On another note:
My colleagues began calling me “conspiracy sister” years ago when I first began talking about the plot to destroy public education.
They now say I was right.
So, take care of yourself, look behind you, be careful when you cross the street, have someone taste your food, etc. You never know what the reformers are capable of, and we need you.
😉
LikeLike
Diane,
I also think the tide is turning on CCSS. Just the fact there are some NY lawmakers questioning CCSS & it will be discussed statewide at NY Senate (hopefully the Assembly will participate) education reform public hearings.
If you (or anyone) hasn’t heard linked CCSS conference call it’s worth listening to. I hadn’t realized CCSSO & NGA received federal $. If anyone knows these details to share (a link to a document) it would be helpful.
Here’s the youtube: STOP COMMON CORE IN NY STATE (Pullman, Stotsky & Gass)
LikeLike