Henry Levin: Want Lower Test Scores and More Segregation? Try School Choice!

6 Comments Post your own or leave a trackback: Trackback URL

1. Bob Shepherd says:

   February 10, 2019 at 10:12 am

   At the risk of stating the obvious. Why don’t politicians get it? And when will the Democratic Party kick out the DINOs and start explaining this to people?

   LikeLike

   Reply
   • LeftCoastTeacher says:

     February 10, 2019 at 10:32 am

     $$$

     LikeLiked by 1 person

     Reply
2. Yossarian says:

   February 10, 2019 at 10:26 am

   D,

   Check out this story/commentary on CNN’s main page. It’s nothing we haven’t known before but it’s good to see a massive corporate news outlet’s take on the impending Denver teacher strike…

   https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/10/us/denver-teacher-strike-multiple-jobs/index.html

   LikeLike

   Reply
3. Wait, What? says:

   February 10, 2019 at 11:22 am

   Choice is a triple-edged sword: the “zip code” equity argument v. opportunity and access to quality public schools v. “who and what are left behind?”

   We work tirelessly for equity and the “zip code” argument (A child’s zip code shouldn’t be a predictor of quality of school or that child’s potential for success).
   Opportunites to escape low performing and mismanaged school systems through desegregation (one-way bussing), vouchers, or just open choice in states where state funds follow the student to another public school) work. Graduation rates and achievement improven when students have access to districts that attract teachers, more rigorous courses, and opportunities not provided in their neighborhood school/district.
   There are always students left behind in the failing / mismanaged systems/schools.
   And – For reasons ranging from nostalgia to the economic stability; there are daunting effects in neighborhood (deteriorating) when children flock to schools elsewhere.

   Levin and the research are accurate because Levin and research are accurate. The dilemma of striving for equity, acheivement in some instances, and opportunity at the expense of those left behind in increasingly deteriorating schools and the effects on communities is problematic.

   There is a simple solution.

   Fund the deteriorating schools. Attract high quality teachers, leadership, quality and expansive curriculum, and community activators.

   LikeLike

   Reply
4. retired teacher says:

   February 10, 2019 at 11:23 am

   “Where school choice has shown powerful effects around the world is the systematic separation of students by ethnicity, social class and religion.”

   The world does not need more Donald Trumps. In a diverse nation it is important that all types of people learn to understand each other better. We need to appreciate individual differences, not fear them. As an ESL teacher that has worked with students from every continent except Anarctica, I see strength in diversity. The 1% does not hold the patent on the next big idea, and quality public education can ensure that all people are given a chance to develop their talents. I have taught many students, but I have also learned a great deal from them. While we may have different languages and cultures, we are all human with needs, wants and fralties.

   Education is important, but as the article points out, school only accounts for about ten percent of the waking hours for people from birth to age eighteen. Maybe someone should share that statistic with Cory Booker. We need to cultivate greater understanding among people to change perceptions and attitudes, and public schools often bring different types of students together to accomplish this goal.

   LikeLiked by 1 person

   Reply
   • Duane E Swacker says:

     February 10, 2019 at 12:28 pm

     “As an ESL teacher that has worked with students from every continent except Anarctica,”

     I guess the border walls are too high in Antarctica to allow any students out, eh!

     LikeLike

     Reply