I announced that I was taking a break from Christmas to New Year’s. I think my break lasted a few hours.
I learned that I need to connect with my friends. I learned that my need to communicate was greater than my need for a break.
I learned that I need to adjust my schedule so it is not as constrained as it was before. I was posting five times a day, sometimes more, but never less that five times a day. 9, 10, 11, 12, 1 pm.
I no longer feel it necessary to stick to that schedule. I will post when I have something to say. It might be five times or more or less or not at all.
I used to watch the number of hits. I am now over 29 million hits. I won’t watch anymore. If I reach 30 million, I will say so, but I no longer have a numerical goal. I don’t care.
I will be as honest as I can be. I won’t bite my tongue. I have only contempt for Trump, and I will not hesitate to say so. I think he is a danger to the future of the world. His arrogance and ignorance threaten civilization. We can only hope that the Republic will survive. I don’t remember a president who filled the top jobs with people even more unqualified than he is.
To those who come to the blog to argue, you are welcome as long as you are civil.
Just don’t forget that it is my living room and you are here on my sufferance. If you are rude or if you insult me or teachers as a group, I will not hesitate to throw you out.
Meanwhile, those of us who want a better education for all are in for a rough ride these next four years. I want the blog to be a source of hope, succor, information, comfort, humor, and possibly inspiration for those who do the hard work of educating our children. I will look for the good and praise it. I will call out the phonies. I will look to you for news about what’s happening in your state and district.
We face threats to knowledge, science, education, academic freedom, even the very existence of facts. The threats are real.
Together, we will outlast and overcome the darkness that looms before us. There have been worse times. We will survive this one too and get our beloved nation back on track, moving towards its ideals and values.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Amen! I also tried to stay away, but there’s too much work to do now, more than ever. Together, we all will make a difference. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do.
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Amen!!
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I agree !! What can I do?
Pete
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First, join NPE if you haven’t already. After that share Diane’s posts everywhere you can, emphasizing that the comments are what really make up the blog as there are many very intelligent folks posting on a daily basis.
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This site shall be the gathering place for those fighting for public education for the next four years, I imagine.
Here are two scenarios that could happen:
Trump and his administration take us so far right that there is a backlash at the midterms and then four years from now, at which time hopefully a progressive Dem can lead us forward.
Trump gets his feelings hurt by the right wing, or harbors ill will towards them and their ideology and decides to stick it to them by being more moderate.
That is me being optimistic. Happy New Year all, and thanks for allowing us a seat in your virtual living room.
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Courage Diane! Try to smile and laugh despite it all. You are our fearless leader and I and others are grateful for your insights and that you share other’s wisdom too. Build a succession plan. That’s what great leaders do. Thank you for this recent break less break.
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Thanks Diane for all you say, and especially your optimism at the end about overcoming the Trump threat to civilization. I think he will galvanize the vast group of Americans that includes public education supporters, as well as many of his own soon-to-be-former supporters, to repledge allegiance to our country’s true values. Anyone interested in more on that line of reasoning, please see my post “More ‘times that try men’s souls’” at https://politicswestchesterview.wordpress.com/. Despair is not an option, not for education, not for the country. Just as you say, “There have been worse times.”
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Smart choices n a good example for the rest of us. Have a healthy and happy New Year.
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Thanks, Diane. Happy New Year.
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Thank you, Diane! Keep at it. You are a great source.
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Bravo! This is why I love you and I love this blog post! Onward into a brighter future. Stronger together!
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A wonderful post to start the New Year.
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“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” [Harriet Tubman]
To the owner of this blog—continue to reach for the stars.
And on another note…
I am sure your former acquaintances in education reform wished you’d never have listened to Eleanor Roosevelt:
“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
😎
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This blog is your land. This blog is my land, from California (Left Side!) to the New York Island (Go OptOut!). From the redwood forest to the Gulfstream waters, this blog was made for you and me. And I will never stop appreciating it, the only site where the glow of the screen is warm.
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Thanks Lefty and thanks Diane
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Good plan, Diane, since this blog is so well traveled and educates so many…stay well and thanks for this living room you provide for us to share info.
And today Rachel Maddow reports that tRump sold tickets for New Year’s Eve to his Mar a Lago party, for $500 a person…not for charity, but for his own bank account. This jerk could be the end of our America. Germany and Turkey have ISIS, and we have Donald T.
I am glad that Congressional Dems will hold his, and 8 of his appointments, feet to the fire…so let’s stay on them to follow through. And also let’s write and call the few Repubs who might join them, starting with John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Lamar Alexander, Rand Paul (an Independent) and any others who have indicated they know he is a self serving fraud. Remember that we only need 4 Repub crossovers to vote with Senate Dems to block tRump’s endless horrors. So maybe even Mitch McConnell will grow some and stand up to the Emperor of Greed.
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Greed is written on the Trump family crest.
Ellen, we have to find three Republicans willing to say no to Trump. McCain and Graham likely. Not sure about number 3.
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Here’s an appropriate rendition:
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I am very afraid too – and discouraged. I know many of the teachers I work with feel the same way. We have to educate ourselves and stick together and fight for our country. The alternative – giving up – is not acceptable.
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Karen,
Hang in there. Imagine how the professionals who work for the federal government feel, knowing that the incoming president thinks they are incompetent liars. Projection, I think.
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There is a scene in Leonhard Frank’s long forgotten anti-WWI, pacifist novel “Man is Good” in which an elderly waiter learns that his only son has died at the front and then runs out of the restaurant screaming. Others with their own personal tragedies hear and join him as they build a crowd in the town square to raise their voices together in opposition to the war. I have often felt like that in the past year. Thanks to the community you are nurturing, I know that I’m not alone.
My wish for this year is that you will continue to be a leader and convener to organize our frustrations and hopes into something that will leave indelible marks for those who follow. It is fitting that our love for and belief in public education is the glue that holds us together. Whether we work in the field or not, it is THE fundamental issue that strengthens our society.
I’ll never be able to adequately express what your work and passion means to me. Thank you.
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Thank you! Good health in 2017
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“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
Great one, KTA. It fits Diane to a “t.”
In the meantime, I do worry about rousing the younger generations (I am well into my 60s) to actively engage in efforts to control Trump and his minions. While I can understand that there is a sizeable minority with a more conservative outlook on life, if their most extreme elements get what they think they want, most of us, including most of them, will suffer for it. We need a generation that remembers what public service is or should be. Teachers have a job to do in laying the groundwork for what it means to be a citizen of the United States. We have been complacent for far too long. Surprise, surprise! Democracy requires active participation. We are coming very close to losing any semblance of it.
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Many thanks Diane. Those of us who understand the foundation public schools are to our nation need to stand together, fight for our beliefs locally, state-wide and nationally. This site and your emails help me feel connected and supported. I’m thankful for your blog, your voice, your vision, and your commitment to students and teachers in public schools.
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Diane, I just wanted to thank you for being here for all of us. I’m a retired university humanities professor and now an English tutor in New York City. You’ll never know how helpful reading your insights every day has been, during all the upheavals of Common Core — tutoring grade school and middle school children has, like it or not, involved me in the awfulness of all of that.
But, now, with Trump as President, things are going to become immeasurably worse. And I just wanted to say that, like all of your readers, I find it an enormous source of strength to know that you will continue to be there for us, sharing your wisdom and insight and courage with us. I hope you realize how important you are to those of us who love teaching and public schools and democracy. God bless you.
Bill Cozart
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Thank you, Bill. Knowing that what I write helps others keeps me engaged and passionate.
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Dear Diane – I appreciate that you’ve dedicated a good part of your life creating a gathering place for us to think and discuss important topics together. You are tireless and we benefit greatly from your wit, wisdom, energy, enthusiasm and care. I am visualizing a peaceful and productive year.
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Thank you, Diane, for all that you have done and comtinue to do. Have a Happy New Year, and keep on keeping on.
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Diane, thanks!
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Bravo. I am afraid, but knowing that you are there does help.
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I am responding with GREAT appreciation for all you do to keep the issues on education (especially) and other social justice topics in forefront of our thinking. I share with as many others as I can, especially those articles on public education and the current assault on it. And I write to decision makers, but realize that I must write more. Thank you for your leadership!!! And Happy New Year!!
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re Trump: I look at it this way. We get to argue against, resist and propose alternatives to this guy. That should be easy, really. Especially when compared to those who get to have him as their champion. Give it time!
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No one is on the sidelines now.
Thank you, Diane, for providing the space and your voice.
All good things and health to you this year, Diane. It will be brutal, but EVERY thoughtful citizen involved with Education (and ALL areas of justice and equality) has a stake in history’s outcome.
Our actions over the next year–when things are at their bleakest–is the resistance that will make us proud of our stand. It is also our children’s’ best hope to get through the coming madness.
Salut. Strength to everyone!
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Diane, I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. I will stand with you to pursue the best principles for public education unto death.
It looks like Colin Powell might be a good 3rd.
Here are my thoughts.This defeat is the Democratic Party’s Valley Forge. Time to take stock, reform some rules, eyeball more compelling candidates, and re-train. House elections are in two very, very short years.
Trump is also facing federal racketeering charges, thousands of lawsuits, IRS disclosures, and most likely an investigation into the funding of his campaign. I’m hoping and praying that these will be his way back to citizenship.
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Thank you, Diane. I can’t imagine surviving the years ahead without your council and platform. You inform, inspire and challenge us. I believe you are the core of our grassroots successes over the past few years.
I would love to know more the successes of “underachieving” schools in poverty stricken districts? Have we identified elements that could provide that 21st century immediate positive feedback to reformers? Universal preschool is the first thing that comes to mind but those results would probably be too slow to impress them. Community outreach and wrap-around services have made dramatic improvements within a couple of years I think.
I’d love to send lists of needed resources to the philanthropists who care so much about our students. Let the world know that public schools need books, paper, well maintained facilities, computers, libraries, and all the other things they give to their charters. Publish the lists and tallies and put them out to bid. Would Bill Gates be willing to take the risk of investing in public schools or are he and his buddies afraid to be proven destructive.
I recently re-read a book that you introduced me to in June of 15 (I think). “Ain’t Nobody Be Learnin Nothin: The Fraud and Fix for High-Poverty Schools.” by Caleb Steward Rossiter. I find his description of the situation to be truthful and succinct and his suggestions for “the fix” compelling though I am only barely informed about his and other promising ideas. Would the Waltons be willing to divert some of their lobbying millions to support a program like Rossiter’s? Better question, would they want it to succeed?
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marynwill,
If you are interested in learning about success in a low income district, look into Union City, NJ. Their superintendent & asst supt worked w faculty & community for respectable results.
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Thanks for the lead. I will certainly look it up though I believe I have read about it. I wish I had been keeping all this good news in a file.
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Thanks, Diane and thank God that those of us toiling in the classroom have you and have this site. I feel really bad for the kids that are getting cheated out of a well-rounded education by the corporate reformers and the charter schools,which are stealing their childhood and teenage years. As bad as it is in New York, it’s much worse elsewhere in America. I honestly don’t know how my colleagues in other states are handling it.
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From all of us on the front lines of teaching our kids, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Diane, your tireless optimism and fierceness buoys many of us through difficult days. Health and joy to you and yours in the New Year.
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Diane, I really appreciate the work you put in to educate and inform. It truly is time to organize and take action. Thanks for your leadership and inspiration.
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I’ve been on a trip, but I knew to check your blog, that despite your “break,” you would post…and the commenters would comment.
Thanks for keeping your living room open & available, Diane. Have a happy, healthy, safe & sane (!) 2017–you & all your readers.
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Thanks, Diane. You’re an inspiration.
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Here here, we still have a fight against ignorance and argue in favor of the truth in the actuality of the hypocrisy in the dumbing down of America.
Trump and his cabinet are a big threat to the intelligence community of the American people. We have to be watching with a critical eye and using the checks and balances to point out the atrocities that might be implemented by Trump’s Secretary of Education, the clueless Betsy DeVos, a product of private education. These cronies will destroy all that has made the USA a great nation, public education. We cannot sit back and allow them to run amuck over what we, as teachers, have worked so hard for in our careers…a high quality of education for all of America’s youth!
I vow to fight the fight for the ethics of our Republic.
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Maybe we need states to form networks of educators that watch state legislatures for policy trends. Who are the good people in Arkansas who can organize for action and information?–Dr. Jesse J. Hargrove jesse.hargrove@sbcglobal.net jhargrove@philander.edu
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