Monthly Archives: May 2011

The View of Achievement First from New Haven

Posted on May 31, 2011 by

I received this description of Achievement First from a friend who teaches in the public schools in New Haven, CT.  She granted me permission to publish this snippet, anonymously: AF (achievement first) has planned on expanding to RI for at … Continue reading →

Posted in Charter Schools, Teachers' Voices | Leave a comment

Invasion of the (student) body snatchers

Posted on May 29, 2011 by

Cranston Mayor Alan Fung has announced a plan to open five charter schools in his city, to be run by a “non-profit” charter management organization.  The phrase “non-profit” has been utterly abused in our nation, to the point where it … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis, Charter Schools | 2 Comments

Why we need an elected school committee in Providence

Posted on May 28, 2011 by

How can we stop a treasonous elected mayor and his appointed lackeys from attacking teachers and closing schools?  How can we impose the will of the people on the bureaucrats, in stead of the other way around?  These questions arose … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis | 5 Comments

How Taveras Went Off the Deep End with the “Rs in Pool”

Posted on May 23, 2011 by

The following piece was written by my friend and comrade Shaun Joseph, who first figured out and formulated the best explanation of the “R’s in pool” system, after an email exchange we had about it.  He did the legwork, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis | 7 Comments

Open Letter of Apology to Diane Ravitch

Posted on May 15, 2011 by

Dear Dr. Ravitch: First, I want to thank you for coming to speak in Rhode Island on May 3rd.  I was in attendance at your speech at Rhode Island College, and I can say on behalf of the numerous teachers … Continue reading →

Posted in Teachers' Voices | Leave a comment

The Arti-Fiscal Crisis in Providence

Posted on May 9, 2011 by

Sunday’s Providence Journal provided us with some fantastic information about the non-profits and what their status means to the city’s lack of funds.  The article that accompanied the figures was not particularly informative, though it bears some comment.  More important … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis | 1 Comment

What do the corporate reformers really want?

Posted on May 9, 2011 by

This was the question asked by two people in the short Q&A period at the Diane Ravitch event at Rhode Island College last week.  What is the real agenda of the corporate reformers of public education?  What are they actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis, Musings and Questions | 1 Comment

El Pueblo Unido? The Intersection of Public Education and Immigrant Rights

Posted on May 5, 2011 by

The May Day rally at Armory Park was a good event.  I was once again impressed with the initiative of individual activists I’ve met through work in the Parent-Teacher-Student Community Coalition, who came prepared to leaflet the crowd and involve … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis | 2 Comments

Diane Ravitch in Rhode Island

Posted on May 4, 2011 by

This afternoon, Diane Ravitch spoke to a packed auditorium in Gaige Hall at Rhode Island College.  What a breath of fresh air!  I’ve come to appreciate Diane Ravitch as a genuine education researcher who honestly believes in what is best … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings and Questions | 1 Comment

Teacher Depreciation Week

Posted on May 3, 2011 by

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  So, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan wrote an open letter of appreciation to America’s teachers.  Here’s my thank you note to him. ******* Dear Secretary Duncan, I want to thank you for your … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings and Questions, Teachers' Voices | 1 Comment