This weekend there will be a dinner hosted by the Network for Public Education in New York City, and I am the guest of honor. Steven Singer can’t make it to the dinner but he used the occasion to write a beautiful tribute, and I can’t decide if it is an early Xmas gift or an early Valentine.
I replied and said,
“I love you too, Steven.
“For your courage, your wisdom, your strength, your kindness. For all the right reasons. “
Diane Ravitch's blog 
I could not have said it better!
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Lovely.
It echoes the experience of many.
A teacher…through and through who happens to be a distinquished scholar too.
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Steven Singer wrote, “Diane gave us all, the light” and, so much more. She is our righteous hero against the forces, intent on destroying everything good and decent about the United States.
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Terrific. Happy EARLY Valentine’s Day, Diane!
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I can’t make the event, but know you are in my thoughts.
Thanks for all you do!
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I meant every word. You mean the world to me, Diane. Thank you so much for all you do. You don’t get to hear it enough.
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Yes! You, Diane, are a treasure! I agree with Steven- I thought I was going crazy until I found you.
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Thank you, Lorraine
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What a lovely tribute. I’d never been a fan of standardized tests. In 2010 I heard Dr Ravitch interviewed on NPR when Death and Life … was published. I knew she was respected and had taught at Teacher’s College. Her cogent statement that if NCLB was working, we should be seeing the results in 8th graders’ scores by 2010 drew my attention. Went to the library for her book and recommended it to teachers. Found this blog a few winters ago when we had many snowstorms/lots of indoor time to toodle around online. She inspires so many, and the NPE honors are well deserved.
Steven, best wishes for your good health.
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You are trying to change the world, or at least, the education of the children in the United States, through books and blog. Amazingly, there are no ads on your blog—though Heaven knows you could make loads off the advertising. I heard you speak in Sacramento in 2003 or early 2004. Your ideals haven’t changed, but the methods you advocate have. Very few people in public life ever do that. I thought that took amazing courage. I still do. When I wrote to you about two years ago, asking for advice on how I could make the biggest impact and do the most good for education in my community, you wrote back and told me to run for school board. So this fall, I did. I built my platform based largely on what you wrote in your latest book. And I won. Education is lucky to have you as a voice of reason, to advocate for children and teachers alike, and to have the ability to see that the multiplicity of challenges quality education faces in many communities across our country will not be fixed by one magic silver bullet. Your voice has both passion and compassion, vision and reason, and the ability to see all that was, all that is, and all the possibilities for tomorrow. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day; you’ve earned it.
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Thank you, Karen! I am so proud to know you!
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From someone who is just a lone teacher crying in the wilderness to beg people to see what is happening: thank you, Diane! The information I have learned from your books and blogs helps me to continue to fight, even alone. You’re an inspiration!
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