My Conversation with Salon: What Works and Why Corporate Reform is Failing

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1. Cap Lee says:

   September 23, 2013 at 2:50 pm

   This is a great conversation, however, the solution falls short of the real needs to save public education. The suggestions by Dr Ravitch are spot on but in order to deal with a diverse group of children we must look at the underlying problems with the education system itself. Assessment and accountability must be built into education on a regular basis, with an even palayning field and all focused on real learning.

   We can continue to follow like lemmings to the sea, to develop book learned student without a lick of common sense or we can make assessment and learning real and usable in the community. Assessment is only as good as the information gathered and it’s application to the education of the child. Artificial test that come back to the school too late to use are a total waste of money.

   For a detailed reality of how to save students from a shattered system, please read my last two blogs at http://savingstudents-caplee.blogspot.com/ or go to the website http://www.wholechildreform.com

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2. Joanna Best says:

   September 23, 2013 at 2:53 pm

   good.

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3. Joseph says:

   September 23, 2013 at 3:31 pm

   Parent arrested asking about Common Core
   http://www.infowars.com/video-dad-charged-with-2nd-degree-assault-on-cop-after-he-questioned-common-core-curriculum/

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4. wgersen says:

   September 23, 2013 at 4:17 pm

   Diane-
   I have an answer to a question you “missed”… you were asked:
   One of the things that you argue for in this book is giving money to the schools so that they can build a foundation. You say that the kids who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are the ones that need all the hallmarks of a model school — and then more. You say they need this incredible foundation that has nurses – and now districts are beginning to lay off nurses — that they need music education, they need arts education, they need science, they need all this enrichment that public schools in wealthy areas get — and then even more. What evidence shows you that this works?

   The answer to this question is in the question: LOOK AT THE PROGRAMS OFFERED IN AFFLUENT DISTRICTS THAT HAVE HIGH TEST SCORES. Can you imagine Scarsdale laying off nurses (even though they have generally healthy kids) or cutting back on music, art, or elective courses at the high school? Of course not. The solution to this idealist is to define “adequate education” based on the money spent and programs offered at schools serving the top 10% of those tested— who, SURPRISE, reside in the homes of the top 10% of wage earners.

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5. Ellen Lubic says:

   September 23, 2013 at 5:08 pm

   Great interview Diane…hits it all.

   And Yes…WGersen…It boggles the mind that so many Rheeformers do not understand the direct correlation between academic success in primary and secondary public schools is directly connected to socio-economic status.

   It is no mystery that children living in poverty with either, parents who cannot help them as their children’s ‘first teachers’, or who have no interest in helping them, can never catch up to those born to parents who read and write in English, who have the money to feed, clothe, house, provide healthcare, introduction to literature and the arts, and the multitude of duties of a successful parenting.

   I have been an educational researcher on all these issues since 1973 and all the studies conclude with the same outcomes. Why is this same definitive information of longitudinal studies nationwide, not enough proof that poverty (plus separate and not equal) is the number one killer of students abilities to learn?

   Positive parental involvement is the key! Always was, always will be.

   Note…there will also always be a modicum of teachers who do not do the job earnestly. These teachers should be relieved of their jobs..but they are by far in the minority of dedicated hard working educators who are consummate professionals.

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6. Dee Dee says:

   September 24, 2013 at 12:06 am

   Corporate reform is failing because it is an absolute sham. Plain and simple

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