“The development of this historical field (the history of American education) took place, consequently, in a special atmosphere of professional purpose. It grew in almost total isolation from the major influences and shaping minds of twentieth century historiography; and its isolation proved to be self-intensifying: the more parochial the subject became, the less capable it was of attracting the kind of scholars who could it give it broad relevance and bring it back into the public domain. It soon displayed the exaggeration of weakness and extravagance of emphasis that are the typical results of sustained inbreeding.”
Bernard Bailyn. Education in the Forming of American Society (NY: Norton, 1960.) pp.8-9.

A number of all-stars are quoted in this essay.

It concludes with Deborah Maier, who makes a great point:

“Why is the word ‘empowerment’ in proliferation when we’re actually taking more power away from teachers?” she said. “Maybe we’re talking so much about reflection because we have no time to reflect at all.”

The folks who are up in arms ought to be aware that reflection is the last thing someone struggling to prepare children for a high stakes test has time for…

Great, great article on the impact of student debt in Dissent.

Here.

Of particular importance is his discussion of how student debt is slowly strangling career options for undergraduates. What fool would enter the non-profit world staring down 40k+ of debt?

Times article here.

Predicted response from every administrator who has ever cut an arts program:

“well, standardized tests are the only truly objective way to measure student improvement.”

WAPO story here.

“Chiefs”

link here.

This 2004 film documents the travails of a Native American basketball team. What was striking to me was the resemblance of these players to the African American students I taught at West Philadelphia High School.

Friends: slowly making this transition; bear with me.