The Answer Sheet: is


Posted at 03:46 PM ET, 06/19/2013

The sweetest graduation
By Valerie Strauss
In this end-of-school season where one graduation ceremony blurs into the next, Caleb Davy, 11, made one sweeter than all the rest.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:46 PM ET, 06/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  At D.C.'s John Eaton Elementary, Graduation Ceremonies

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/19/2013

A 'reform-to-English' dictionary
By Valerie Strauss
What does, for example, "for the children" and "status quo" really mean?

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Definitions, School Reform

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 06/18/2013

Education Department listens to (some) reason
By Valerie Strauss
Education Secretary Arne Duncan gives an extra year for implementation of new teacher evaluations linked to Common Core tests.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:59 PM ET, 06/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Arne Duncan, Common Core State Standards, Gives Flexibility on Test-Linked Evaluations, Teacher Evaluation

Posted at 01:58 PM ET, 06/18/2013

Why the NCTQ teacher prep ratings are nonsense

By Valerie Strauss
There are many problems with the survey, including a "shocking" degree of inaccuracy in the data.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:58 PM ET, 06/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Bad Data, Linda Darling-Hammond, Teacher Preparation Programs

Posted at 01:24 PM ET, 06/18/2013

New problems with New York's teacher evaluation plan found
By Valerie Strauss
An award-winning principal finds new problems with New York's new teacher evaluation program.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:24 PM ET, 06/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Teacher Evaluation, Trouble With APPR

Posted at 06:32 AM ET, 06/18/2013

The Common Core's fundamental trouble

By Valerie Strauss
No Child Left Behind actually

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:32 AM ET, 06/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Coming 'Train Wreck'?, Common Core

Posted at 04:03 AM ET, 06/18/2013

The problem(s) with D.C. school reform bills
By Valerie Strauss
Undoubtedly well-intentioned, D.C. Council member David Catania's proposed school board legislation raises some important concerns.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:03 AM ET, 06/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  D.C. Public Schools, Process and Substance, School Reform

Posted at 04:32 PM ET, 06/17/2013

New Hampshire 'neovoucher' program found unconstitutional

By Valerie Strauss
A judge says

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:32 PM ET, 06/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  In New Hampshire, Neovouchers, State Education Tax Credit Program, Vouchers

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 06/17/2013

What's the most 'natural' way to learn? It might surprise you
By Valerie Strauss
Many people think that authentic learning happens when children explore on their own. A cognitive scientist questions the premise.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:32 AM ET, 06/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  How About Teaching?, Learning, Teaching and Learning

Posted at 06:31 AM ET, 06/17/2013

'I didn't really research anything' in high school, D.C. valedictorian says
By Valerie Strauss
The difficulty some high-achieving D.C. public schools students have when they get to college raises questions about the system's reform program.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:31 AM ET, 06/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  After Years of Reform, D.C. Public Schools

Posted at 08:37 PM ET, 06/16/2013

How one father helped educate his engineering daughter

By Valerie Strauss
A college student talks about the influence her engineering dad had on her education.

By Valerie Strauss  |  08:37 PM ET, 06/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Influences, STEM

Posted at 12:49 PM ET, 06/16/2013

New Florida law: Teachers can't be evaluated on students they don't have
By Valerie Strauss
Why was such a law necessary? Here's why.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:49 PM ET, 06/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Really, School Reform, Teacher Evaluation

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 06/16/2013

A must-watch video
By Valerie Strauss
Watch this video and think about the nightmare it is for many kids with disabilities to take standardized tests.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:14 AM ET, 06/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Autistic Child Does Homework, Autistic Child Struggles With Homework, Disabilities

Posted at 11:31 AM ET, 06/15/2013

Race vs. class in college admissions: A false dichotomy or not?
By Valerie Strauss
The Supreme Court will soon hand down its verdict in a case that challenges racial preferences in admissions at the University of Texas. Here's a look at the issues.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:31 AM ET, 06/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  College Admissions, Supreme Court, Supreme Court to Rule

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/14/2013

Teachers' letters to Bill Gates
By Valerie Strauss
They want to engage the billionaire who spends so much on school reform.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A New Website, Bill Gates

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/14/2013

Eight weird things schools banned this year
By Valerie Strauss
Not the usual targets.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Really, School Bans

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/13/2013

How test scores can be deceiving
By Valerie Strauss
They can seem to indicate one thing when they actually mean another.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Reform, Study on Massachusetts Reform, Test Scores

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/13/2013

Why two reform movements -- choice and accountability -- have fallen short
By Valerie Strauss
For two decades public schools have been rocked by these two reform movements. They haven't lived up to their promise. Here's why they can't.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Problem With Data

Posted at 02:02 PM ET, 06/12/2013

Study: Math requirements not aligned with Common Core in many states
By Valerie Strauss
A new study says most states have not aligned their math high school graduation requirements or course of study with the Common Core Standards.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:02 PM ET, 06/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Standards, Standards

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 06/12/2013

An exchange on controversial $100 million student database

By Valerie Strauss
Letters discuss privacy concerns.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:57 AM ET, 06/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Policy, Privacy Concerns

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 06/12/2013

How to curb cheating in schools
By Valerie Strauss
It's all about focus.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:15 AM ET, 06/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Cheating, Video

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/12/2013

James Meredith asks 21 tough questions about school reform
By Valerie Strauss
The civil rights icon wants Americans to ask these questions to politicians, educators and school reformers.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  James Meredith, School Reform, Urges Americans To Demand Answers, Urges Americans To Seek Answers

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/12/2013

A big unexplored idea in school reform
By Valerie Strauss
It seems too simple to take seriously, but it isn't.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A New Curriculum, It's About The Brain, Teaching and Learning

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 06/11/2013

A new 'Education Declaration' for genuine school reform
By Valerie Strauss
A coalition of educators and activists issues a declaration explaining how to really reform public education.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:02 AM ET, 06/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Based on Seven Principles, Education Declaration

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 06/11/2013

Teachers: Why so many kids are flunking final exams in Montgomery County

By Valerie Strauss
"These problems are not primarily caused by the students, the families or the teachers. The failure rates are the result of policies that have been in place for many years."

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 06/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Final Exams, Montgomery County Public Schools, Systemic Problems Cited

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 06/10/2013

The bottom line on student tracking
By Valerie Strauss
What the overwhelming evidence really shows.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:47 PM ET, 06/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Ability Groupings, What Research Really Shows

Posted at 03:47 PM ET, 06/10/2013

Texas governor signs legislation to reduce standardized testing
By Valerie Strauss
Gov. Rick Perry bends to popular will.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:47 PM ET, 06/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Overhauls Graduation Requirements, Standardized Testing

Posted at 01:44 PM ET, 06/10/2013

Record number of twins found in a single grade at one school
By Valerie Strauss
What's going on in this community?

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:44 PM ET, 06/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  World Record?

Posted at 09:02 AM ET, 06/10/2013

How cookie-cutter school reforms cement class, race divisions
By Valerie Strauss
For kids who are falling behind, extra interventions and classroom time are needed -- and much appreciated. But certain types of interventions aren't always welcome.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:02 AM ET, 06/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education as a 'Core Value', School Reform

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 06/10/2013

Where the National Security Agency isn't so secret: Schools

By Valerie Strauss
It has programs for kids of all ages, including internships for high school and college students.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 06/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  K-12 and College Programs, National Security Agency

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 06/09/2013

Provocative education tweet of the day
By Valerie Strauss
It's about President Obama's new initiative to bring broadband and wireless to 99 percent of America's schools.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:16 PM ET, 06/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Technology

Posted at 11:24 AM ET, 06/09/2013

Privacy concerns grow over Gates-funded student database
By Valerie Strauss
Some states in a pilot program are pulling back.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:24 AM ET, 06/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  $100 Million Project, Student Privacy Concerns

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 06/08/2013

Philadelphia school district laying off 3,783 employees
By Valerie Strauss
This is on the heels of a "doomsday" school budget for 2013-14 that has no funding for things as basic as paper and new books.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:36 PM ET, 06/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'evisceration of public education in the City of Brotherly Love', Layoffs, Philadelphia Schools

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 06/08/2013

'Stop this Madness': rap video on school reform
By Valerie Strauss
An Albany teacher says enough is enough -- in a rap song. Watch it. Read the lyrics.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:14 PM ET, 06/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Albany Teachers Protest, School Reform Protest

Posted at 08:52 AM ET, 06/07/2013

Superintendent: Virginia's new A-F school grading system will hurt high-poverty districts

By Valerie Strauss
The A-F grading scale for schools creates a nearly insurmountable obstacle for districts that serve high percentages of economically disadvantaged students, the authors say.

By Valerie Strauss  |  08:52 AM ET, 06/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Analysis, Grading Schools, Poverty

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/07/2013

Why grouping students by ability makes sense
By Valerie Strauss
It's not fair to high-achieving students, the author argues.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Ability Grouping, Rebuttal, Tracking

Posted at 05:42 PM ET, 06/06/2013

Text of Obama speech: We will connect 99 percent of schools to Internet
By Valerie Strauss
President Obama spells out his five-year plan at a North Carolina school.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:42 PM ET, 06/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Technology, New Digital Initiative, President Obama

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 06/06/2013

Common Core supporters back moratorium on new tests' high stakes
By Valerie Strauss
Major education organizations say teachers and students aren't ready.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:23 PM ET, 06/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Standards, Education Coalition

Posted at 02:52 PM ET, 06/06/2013

U.S. high school graduation rate sees big minority gains โ€” analysis

By Valerie Strauss
The U.S. rate hits nearly 75 percent, the highest since 1973, according to an Edweek analysis.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:52 PM ET, 06/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Fairfax County Tops the List, Graduation Rates

Posted at 02:45 PM ET, 06/06/2013

Louisiana legislator invokes witch doctor to defend creationist law
By Valerie Strauss
In the you-can't-make-up-this-stuff category: He doesn't want to dismiss faith healing as "pseudoscience."

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:45 PM ET, 06/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Evolution and Creationism, Really

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 06/06/2013

A critique of how DCPS is implementing Common Core (update)

By Valerie Strauss
The problem, the author says, is not with any one standard or assessment stem—it's with a checklist mentality.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 06/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Checklist Mentality?, Common Core State Standards, D.C. Public Schools, Skills Over Content?

Posted at 11:45 PM ET, 06/05/2013

'Hope Against Hope': A community's painful struggle over school reform

By Valerie Strauss
The following book prologue sets the stage for Sarah Carr's year spent immersed in the disparate lives of the family, the teacher, and the administrator.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:45 PM ET, 06/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Book Excerpt About New Orleans, School Reform

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 06/05/2013

Rebuttal: Cheating isn't networking, it's cheating

By Valerie Strauss

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:10 PM ET, 06/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Cheating, Debate

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013

Don't expect Congress to end test-and-punish core of NCLB

By Valerie Strauss
Congress is starting new attempts to rewrite the law, but here's why they won't fix it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  New Harkin Bill Doesn't, No Child Left Behind

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013

Is it really this easy to block the Common Core?

By Valerie Strauss
Trying to openly oppose the Common Core by amending state code is extremely difficult. Cutting the legs out from under it in the budget does not appear to be.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Playbook From Michigan, Common Core Standards

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013

How college students incorrectly evaluate their instructors

By Valerie Strauss
A study shows that college students give top markets not to the best teachers of content but the teachers with the most charm.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Results of Study, Student Evaluations, Teaching and Learning

Posted at 10:41 AM ET, 06/04/2013

Mississippi governor: Educational troubles began when 'mom is in the workplace' -- VIDEO

By Valerie Strauss
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Tuesday that American's educational troubles began when women in large numbers began working outside the home.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:41 AM ET, 06/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education, He Knew It Was Controversial

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 06/04/2013

Why schools should relax about cheating
By Valerie Strauss
It all depends on what you call cheating.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 06/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Cheating, From a Homeschooling Mom, Homeschool, How Homeschoolers Learn

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/04/2013

Why teachers should present new material as stories
By Valerie Strauss
An interesting study shows kids learn better when they hear new information through narrative.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  How Kids Learn Best, Teaching and Learning

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 06/03/2013

Why K-12 online learning isn't really revolutionizing teaching
By Valerie Strauss
Past efforts to install new technologies in schools haven't proved to be as "revolutionary" as backers claimed either.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 06/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Claims Hyped, Online Learning

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 06/03/2013

The problem with rote learning in one sentence
By Valerie Strauss
Straight from the cognition textbook.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 06/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Learning

Posted at 12:31 PM ET, 06/02/2013

Common Core: Assessing the real level of support

By Valerie Strauss
Why a claiming that a majority support, believe, or conform to X, Y, or Z is shaky claim at best, and a likely flawed one at worst.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:31 PM ET, 06/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Standards, The So-called 'Great Majority'

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 06/02/2013

The story of an 'offending' blog post
By Valerie Strauss
Why policy makers should pay attention to critics rather than shut them up.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:31 AM ET, 06/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Different Opinions, School Reform

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 06/01/2013

Philadelphia passes 'doomsday' school budget
By Valerie Strauss
Gone is funding for paper, new books, counselors, librarians, assistant principals and more. Really.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:04 PM ET, 06/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Drastic Cuts, Philadelphia Schools, School funding

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 06/01/2013

The clueless tweet of TFA's Wendy Kopp
By Valerie Strauss
She praises progress in Philadelphia schools on the day a budget is passed without funding for paper, counselors, athletics, etc.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:45 AM ET, 06/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Teach for America, The Worst Timing, Wendy Kopp

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 06/01/2013

Mermaids: The official U.S. position (yes, there is one)

By Valerie Strauss
Why the government issued a position on mermaids.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:39 AM ET, 06/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Lesson on Aquatic Beings, Mermaids

Posted at 11:02 AM ET, 05/31/2013

The way out of the black poverty cycle
By Valerie Strauss
The cycle of black poverty is driven by under-resourced schools and mass incarceration. Here's how to fix it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:02 AM ET, 05/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 05/31/2013

Jeb Bush's disdain for public education

By Valerie Strauss
It's always useful to know where other people are coming from so we can thank Jeb Bush for making it so easy to understand where he stands.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 05/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  He Doesn't Hide It, Jeb Bush, School Reformers

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/31/2013

Five ways to improve literacy learning (that work better than high-stakes tests)
By Valerie Strauss
Why the National Council of Teachers of English supports a moratorium on the high-stakes consequences of Common Core-aligned standardized tests.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core, Literacy, What Works and What Doesn't

Posted at 01:19 AM ET, 05/31/2013

Was the winning National Spelling Bee word too easy?
By Valerie Strauss
In some years, the winning word seemed a lot harder than the 2013 winner.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:19 AM ET, 05/31/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Could You Spell It?, Luck of the Word Draw, Spelling Bee

Posted at 09:52 PM ET, 05/30/2013

U-Va. astronomer wins $1 million 'Nobel of the East' Prize
By Valerie Strauss
He will share a $1 million prize.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:52 PM ET, 05/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Academic Prizes, The Shaw Prizes

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 05/30/2013

The toll high-stakes tests take on non-traditional learners (and their teachers)
By Valerie Strauss
This piece describes in painful detail how Virginia's high-stakes SOLs affect the non-traditional learners at a Charlottesville school.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:01 AM ET, 05/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Painful Snapshot in Virginia, A Snapshot in Virginia

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/30/2013

The biggest irony in Chicago's mass closing of schools
By Valerie Strauss
It goes back to the time of Arne Duncan's leadership of the Chicago school system.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Arne Duncan, Chicago Schools Closings, It's About Arne Duncan, Reform Strategies

Posted at 10:23 PM ET, 05/29/2013

Winning National Spelling Bee words (vivisepulture, guetapens, etc.)
By Valerie Strauss
Of course you can spell "chiaroscurist" but do you know what it means? That's the new task for Spelling Bee finalists.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:23 PM ET, 05/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Some Are Easier Than Others, Spelling Bee

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/29/2013

How school reform preserves the 'status quo' -- and what real change would look like

By Valerie Strauss
What the reforms are and aren't doing -- and what would really work to help improve schools and student achievement.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A New Prescription, School Reform

Posted at 04:03 AM ET, 05/29/2013

The bottom line on 'learning styles'
By Valerie Strauss
Cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham explains his thinking about whether and how learning styles theory should affect teaching.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:03 AM ET, 05/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Daniel Willingham, Learning Styles

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/28/2013

Ed school dean: Urban school reform is really about land development (not kids)

By Valerie Strauss
The dean of Howard University's School of Education takes a provocative look at what urban school reform is all about. It's not about schools and kids, she says.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Urban School Reform

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/28/2013

Why schools should stop using exit exams
By Valerie Strauss
Not only for students but to hold teachers and schools accountable too.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Contradicatory Policy, Exit Exams

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 05/27/2013

A quick Memorial Day quiz
By Valerie Strauss
How much do you know?

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:42 PM ET, 05/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Five Questions, Memorial Day

Posted at 11:28 AM ET, 05/27/2013

What Obama said back then about standardized tests

By Valerie Strauss
What he promised in 2008. What he didn't deliver.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:28 AM ET, 05/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Look Back, President Obama

Posted at 09:03 AM ET, 05/26/2013

Award-winning Virginia teacher: 'I can no longer cooperate' with testing regime
By Valerie Strauss
After 33 years of teaching, he writes, 'I have had enough" of the high-stakes testing obsession.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:03 AM ET, 05/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Resigning Four Years From Full Retirement, Teachers

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 05/26/2013

Why Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day

By Valerie Strauss
The different history and intent of both holidays.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 05/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Both Honor Soldiers, Holidays, Memorial Day

Posted at 02:02 AM ET, 05/26/2013

Memorial Day in one big infographic
By Valerie Strauss
Everything you wanted to know about Memorial Day and more.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:02 AM ET, 05/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Facts and Figures, Holidays, Memorial Day

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 05/25/2013

Physical education should be a 'core' subject: Institute of Medicine

By Valerie Strauss
The Institute of Medicine says this is necessary to help confront a "pandemic" of physical inactivity that has contributed to a critical national health challenge.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:15 PM ET, 05/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A 'Pandemic' of Physical Inactivity, Physical Education

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 05/25/2013

Why Minnesota governor vetoed Teach For America funding
By Valerie Strauss
Why, he asks, should a wealthy nonprofit get state funds? Good question.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:58 AM ET, 05/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  He Used To Be A Teacher, Teach for America

Posted at 01:08 PM ET, 05/24/2013

Text: Obama's speech at U.S. Naval Academy graduation

By Valerie Strauss
The president talks about honor and courage -- and addresses a sexual assault scandal in the military.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:08 PM ET, 05/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'We Need Your Honor', President Obama

Posted at 09:27 AM ET, 05/24/2013

A college graduation with 60 speakers

By Valerie Strauss
None of them can be long-winded.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:27 AM ET, 05/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  An Unusual Tradition, College Graduation

Posted at 09:37 PM ET, 05/23/2013

Teacher's resignation video: 'Everything I loved about teaching is extinct'
By Valerie Strauss
A veteran teacher eloquently explains how and why public education is on the wrong path.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:37 PM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'I Won't Go Into Their Cage', Teachers

Posted at 02:54 PM ET, 05/23/2013

The Rev. John Thomas: No act of God caused Chicago schools closings
By Valerie Strauss
A reverend looks at what is really behind the decision by the Chicago Board of Education to go ahead with the largest mass closing of public schools in American history.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:54 PM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Chicago School Closings, Largest Mass Closing in U.S. History, The Schools Are Gone Because....

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 05/23/2013

Superstar astrophysicist: Why 'Star Trek' beats 'Star Wars'
By Valerie Strauss
It's the physics.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:01 AM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Science Lesson, A Science Lesson -- With Video, Science

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/23/2013

The billionaires lose one
By Valerie Strauss
Big money doesn't always win the day. At least it didn't in a school board race in Los Angeles.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Reformer Loses L.A. School Board Vote, School Boards

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/23/2013

The serious risks of rushing new teacher evaluation systems
By Valerie Strauss
Many policymakers say we must implement new systems now and fix design flaws later. They are wrong.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Details Matter, Teacher Evaluation

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/23/2013

NY principals: Why new Common Core tests failed
By Valerie Strauss
Principals detail the flaws of new high-stakes standardized tests in New York.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'We Are Concerned', Standardized Tests

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 05/22/2013

'It is harder for us to be nice to kids' -- departing veteran principal

By Valerie Strauss
After 21 years, a high school principal sends his final staff letter and looks back on his career.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:02 AM ET, 05/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'Just Be Nice', Best Advice: 'Just Be Nice', Principals

Posted at 06:03 AM ET, 05/22/2013

Jeb Bush's 'Chiefs for Change' attack Weingarten for something she didn't say

By Valerie Strauss
JEb Bush's "Chiefs for Change" attack AFT President Randi Weingarten for something she didn't say -- and she slaps them back.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:03 AM ET, 05/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Read the Dueling Letters, Testing Moratorium

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/22/2013

The college 'preparation gap' in a single graphic
By Valerie Strauss
There is a "large gap" between how high school teachers perceive their graduating students' readiness for college and what professors expect freshmen to know.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  College Readiness, It's Big

Posted at 02:01 AM ET, 05/22/2013

'It's just our job' -- teacher who saved students from tornado
By Valerie Strauss
A teacher at a school demolished by the Oklahoma tornado tells how she and other teachers saved students lives.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:01 AM ET, 05/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Closet, Put Kids in Bathrooms, Tornado

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 05/21/2013

Quiet protest staged at Teachers College graduation
By Valerie Strauss
Some students quietly protested the choice of speaker Teachers College. Here's why.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:15 PM ET, 05/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Controversial Speaker, Teachers College

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 05/21/2013

Tornado survivor: Our teacher saved our lives
By Valerie Strauss
Tornado survivor: Our teacher saved our lives. Watch the video of the teacher/student reunion.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:01 PM ET, 05/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Tornado, Two Videos

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 05/21/2013

Why ability grouping in schools is a mistake
By Valerie Strauss
Teaching to the presumed level of a whole class never works as well as hoped.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:02 AM ET, 05/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Ability Grouping, On the Rise

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/21/2013

Has anybody told Obama about the problems his education policies have caused?
By Valerie Strauss
How much has the president been told by his aides about the serious problems his education reform policies have been causing public schools across the country?

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  It's Hard To Know, President Obama

Posted at 04:05 AM ET, 05/21/2013

'I once thought Maryland was below me'

By Valerie Strauss
It's not all about STEM. A student gives a telling speech at the commencement ceremonies for the University of Maryland's English Department.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:05 AM ET, 05/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Commencement Speech, Student Gives Commencement Speech

Posted at 01:33 PM ET, 05/20/2013

Harvard students seek probe of controversial PhD thesis on Hispanics' IQ

By Valerie Strauss
Harvard University students delivered a petition to President Drew Faust demanding an investigation into how the school awarded a doctorate based on a dissertation that claimed that Hispanics are not as smart as whites.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:33 PM ET, 05/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Harvard University, immigration, Petition Given to President

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 05/20/2013

What's wrong with school 'choice'? Here's what.

By Valerie Strauss
The idea of giving students a choice of where to go school -- with public funds -- may sound good, but there are problems attached.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:02 PM ET, 05/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School choice, Vouchers

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/20/2013

Principal: Why our new educator evaluation system is unethical
By Valerie Strauss
The ethical standard by which each evaluation component should be judged -- and why New York's new educator assessment system violates it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/20/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Educator Evaluation, What Makes a Good School

Posted at 11:52 PM ET, 05/19/2013

Obama's commencement speech at Morehouse College -- text
By Valerie Strauss
"I will say it betrays a poverty of ambition if all you think about is what goods you can buy instead of what good you can do."

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:52 PM ET, 05/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'We Have Individual Responsibilities', President Obama

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 05/19/2013

Is it time to kiss Michelle Rhee goodbye?
By Valerie Strauss
A former superintendent thinks Michelle Rhee has run her course. Here's why he thinks so.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:32 PM ET, 05/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Here's Why, Larry Cuban Thinks So, Michelle Rhee

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/19/2013

Five of the best 2013 commencement speeches (so far)

By Valerie Strauss
Watch and read what they said.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Commencement Speeches, Guess Who Made Jefferson Jokes

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/19/2013

How to take a test: 1956 short film
By Valerie Strauss
A blast from the past.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/19/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Once Upon a Time, Tests

Posted at 11:04 AM ET, 05/18/2013

Fiery Chicago teachers union president reelected
By Valerie Strauss
Karen Lewis wins a new three-year term overwhelmingly.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:04 AM ET, 05/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Chicago Teachers, Protests Beginning Today

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/18/2013

Are school vouchers losing steam?

By Valerie Strauss
Vouchers have been at the center of the school choice movement for many reformers, but they may be in trouble.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/18/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Charters Taking Precedent, School choice, Vouchers

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 05/17/2013

Three days of marches in Chicago to protest school closings
By Valerie Strauss
Three days of demonstrations to protest the closing of 54 schools in Chicago starts Saturday.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:31 AM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Protests Planned This Weekend, School Closures

Posted at 04:03 AM ET, 05/17/2013

The revolution is here
By Valerie Strauss
The revolution is against corporate-based education reform.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:03 AM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Against Corporate-Based Reform, School Reform

Posted at 12:37 AM ET, 05/17/2013

Obama tweet gets Australian researcher big attention

By Valerie Strauss
One tweet from President Obama is a gift to an Australian researcher on climate change.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:37 AM ET, 05/17/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'Out of Our Expectations', President Obama

Posted at 11:22 PM ET, 05/16/2013

Americans: The world's sleepiest students

By Valerie Strauss
An analysis of data on sleepy students collected from countries around the world.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:22 PM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Instruction Affected, Sleep and School

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 05/16/2013

Infographic: A lesson on tornadoes

By Valerie Strauss
The damage done by tornadoes of different strengths.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:02 PM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  The Damage Done, Tornados

Posted at 09:03 AM ET, 05/16/2013

What 'education influentials' think will -- and won't -- happen
By Valerie Strauss
Here's what Washington insiders are said to think about education policy.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:03 AM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Policy

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013

Christian school: 'atheist controversy' over creationist quiz may keep academy open

By Valerie Strauss
The school where a 4th grade science creationist science quiz was given was on its way to closing -- until that quiz hit the Internet.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013

How to teach history (and how not to)
By Valerie Strauss
History is fascinating but too often kids find it boring in history class. Here's what to do about it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Making It Relevant, Teaching History

Posted at 03:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013

Seattle teachers boycotting test score a victory

By Valerie Strauss
Test scores will no longer be a graduation requirement.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:02 AM ET, 05/16/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Standardized Test, Test Revolt, The Fight Over MAP

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 05/15/2013

School rankings: Why even the better ones are questionable
By Valerie Strauss
Here are some of the serious problems affecting even the better school rankings.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:02 PM ET, 05/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Rankings, The Problems

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 05/15/2013

Letter to Obama: We need data on 'highly qualified' teachers
By Valerie Strauss
A coalition of education organizations writes to Obama expressing concern about who the federal government considers as a 'highly qualified teacher."

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:10 AM ET, 05/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Highly Qualified Teachers, Teachers, Who Is and Who Isn't

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/15/2013

What if Finland's great teachers taught in U.S. schools?

By Valerie Strauss
Why the U.S. emphasis on "teacher effectiveness" won't by itself really improve schools.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  3 Fallacies of 'Teacher Effectiveness', Teacher Effectiveness, Teachers

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/15/2013

Why we need a moratorium on the high stakes of testing
By Valerie Strauss
Randi Weingarten just called for a moratorium on the high stakes attached to new Common Core-aligned standardized tests. Here's why we should do it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/15/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Standardized Testing, The Evidence For It

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 05/14/2013

The most important problem facing American children today
By Valerie Strauss
What is it? According to the Academic Pediatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is the effects on poverty on health and well being.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:21 PM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  According to, According to Chldhood Experts, According to Pediatrics Experts, Poverty

Posted at 10:11 AM ET, 05/14/2013

New York high school changing Redskins nickname
By Valerie Strauss
A New York high school in Cooperstown -- home of the National Baseball Hall of Home -- is changing its sports nickname from the Redskins to the Hawkeyes.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:11 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Students Asked For Change, Washington Redskins

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/14/2013

Fourth-grade creationist science quiz: Dinosaurs lived millions of years ago -- False
By Valerie Strauss
Take a look at the questions and answers on this quiz.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Creationist Schools, Really

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/14/2013

Guess which public university president made the most money last year
By Valerie Strauss
Hint: He isn't president of that university anymore.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Presidential Compensation, You May Be Surprised

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 05/14/2013

Why recruiting top talent isn't the best way to reform schools
By Valerie Strauss
What's the most important factor for organizational success in today's knowledge-based economy?

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 05/14/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Reform, What Works

Posted at 03:13 PM ET, 05/13/2013

Indiana halts Common Core implementation

By Valerie Strauss
Indiana is postponing implementation of the Common Core initiative so that there can be more discussion on the quality and impact of the standards.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:13 PM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Standards, New Hearings Ahead

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 05/13/2013

Insects โ€” a new nutritious ingredient for school lunches?
By Valerie Strauss
A new U.N. report says insects are a good alternative to conventional foods and feed.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:14 PM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Lunches, U.N. Report on Insect Eating

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 05/13/2013

The 21st century skill students most lack
By Valerie Strauss
Cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham identifies what he thinks is the 21st century skill that young people lack the most.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:32 PM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  21st Century Skills, This May Surprise You

Posted at 05:03 AM ET, 05/13/2013

Author reads with D.C. students, then writes about them

By Valerie Strauss
For the first time in the 24-year history of the PEN/Faulker program called Authors in Schools, a student asked an author to write a story about her and her classmates. He did.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:03 AM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Book Clubs, James Grady at McKinley Tech

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/13/2013

'The Giggler' -- a story by James Grady about students at a D.C. school

By Valerie Strauss
Here's an original short story written for and about students at McKinley Tech High School in D.C.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Read It, Short Story

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/13/2013

Why video cameras and teacher evaluation do not mix

By Valerie Strauss
Here's why one veteran educator thinks Bill Gates' plan to videotape teachers in their classrooms makes no sense.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/13/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Bill Gates, Bill Gates' Big New Idea, Teacher Evaluation

Posted at 12:37 PM ET, 05/12/2013

Five hysterical commencement speeches
By Valerie Strauss
A frog gave one of them.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:37 PM ET, 05/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Commencement Speeches, Ellen, etc., Jon

Posted at 09:51 AM ET, 05/12/2013

Another name for Ezra Klein's 501c4 list: Rhee's StudentsFirst
By Valerie Strauss
Why should Michelle Rhee get to push public policy through her tax-subsidized organization that receives private money from secret donors?

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:51 AM ET, 05/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Michelle Rhee, StudentsFirst, Tax Dollars Subsidize Her Group

Posted at 09:43 AM ET, 05/12/2013

Gates gives $150 million in grants for Common Core Standards
By Valerie Strauss
For a supposedly public initiative, the Common Core States Initiative has benefited enormously from the generosity of Bill and Melinda Gates.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:43 AM ET, 05/12/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Major Investment, Common Core State Standards, The List of Grants

Posted at 12:01 PM ET, 05/11/2013

High school student tells off his teacher -- viral video
By Valerie Strauss
The following 90-second video was secretly recorded by a student at Duncanville High School in Texas as another student, Jeff Bliss, was telling off his world history teacher about the way she was teaching.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:01 PM ET, 05/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  In Texas, Teachers

Posted at 11:34 AM ET, 05/11/2013

A major school reformer's 'Nixon goes to China' moment
By Valerie Strauss
A discussion on school reform in New York took a surprising turn when a reform heavyweight said, "We're losing the communications game because we don't have a good message to communicate."

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:34 AM ET, 05/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Paul Vallas, School Reform

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 05/11/2013

Hispanic high school graduates pass whites in college enrollment rate
By Valerie Strauss
A new analysis showd that Hispanic high school graduates have passed whites in the rate of college enrollment.

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:33 AM ET, 05/11/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  College Enrollment, New Report

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/10/2013

'Yuck: A 4th Grader's Short Documentary About School Lunch'
By Valerie Strauss
A fourth grader secretly films what kids are being served in a New York City elementary school and makes an award-winning film about it.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Lunch, Watch The Trailer

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/10/2013

Michigan parent to Arne Duncan: 'Our schools are at the breaking point'
By Valerie Strauss
An open letter to Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/10/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'Is This What Education Means?', Arne Duncan, School Reform

Posted at 01:19 PM ET, 05/09/2013

The charter future of D.C. public schools
By Valerie Strauss
With one decision about one elementary school, D.C. Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson is filling in the picture of the future for the city's long troubled school system.

By Valerie Strauss  |  01:19 PM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Chancellor's New Move, D.C. Public Schools

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 05/09/2013

Why Stephen Hawking made a mistake backing Israel boycott
By Valerie Strauss
Academic boycotts are, well, anti-academic.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:53 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Academic Boycotts, It's Anti-Academic

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 05/09/2013

Appreciating teachers (for a change)
By Valerie Strauss
Here are some thoughts through history about teachers and their impact, from Socrates to Jon Stewart.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:55 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Quotes Throughout History, Some Kind Words, Teachers

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013

Colleges, universities tighten security for graduation ceremonies

By Valerie Strauss
The Massachusetts university where one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects attended is restricting the number of people who can attend this weekend's graduation ceremonies.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Boston Marathon bombings, Reaction to Boston Marathon Bombings, School Security

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013

Poverty and student achievement: Are we comparing the wrong groups?
By Valerie Strauss
Many impoverished students succeed academically every day. Why do some make it and others don't?

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'Looking for Answers', Blaming The Parents?, Student Achievement and Poverty

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013

School district closes before academic year is over
By Valerie Strauss
Teachers offered to work for free but liability issues got in the way.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/09/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Financial Crisis, School District Closes, Teachers Vote to Work For Free

Posted at 03:44 PM ET, 05/08/2013

Virginia second-graders suspended for pointing pencils at each other
By Valerie Strauss
Have you heard about the two 7- year-old boys who were suspended from school for pointing pencils at each other while making shooting sounds?

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:44 PM ET, 05/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Better Way to Handle It, School Discipline

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 05/08/2013

What one teacher wants for Teacher Appreciation Week
By Valerie Strauss
Guess.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 05/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  An Unorthodox Request, Teachers, The State of Things

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 05/08/2013

Eighth grader: What bothered me most about new Common Core test
By Valerie Strauss
A 14-year-old boy in New York details what he found so annoying about the new Common Core-aligned English test he and other students around the state just took.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 05/08/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Tests, Standardized Tests, Worse Than Pineapple Test

Posted at 05:19 PM ET, 05/07/2013

Louisiana Supreme Court rules school voucher funding unconstitutional
By Valerie Strauss
The Supreme Court of Louisiana ruled today 6-1 that the way the state funds its school voucher program is unconstitutional.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:19 PM ET, 05/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Public Money for Public Schools, School vouchers

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/07/2013

What schools need and what they don't need
By Valerie Strauss
What motivates students and teachers, and what kills motivation.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  and Motivation killers, Motivation, Motivation and What Kills Motivation, Teachers

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/07/2013

Leave no unwealthy child behind

By Valerie Strauss
The relation between income and academic success cannot be comprehensively addressed through a childhood inoculation alone, the author argues.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/07/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Educational Equity, Educational Inequity

Posted at 09:47 PM ET, 05/06/2013

Gov. Christie teaches kids how to handle unwanted spiders: smush 'em
By Valerie Strauss

By Valerie Strauss  |  09:47 PM ET, 05/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Gov. Chris Christie, Not Spiderman

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 05/06/2013

The problem with Pearson-designed tests that threatens thousands of scores
By Valerie Strauss
'It's testing season in New York, which can mean only one thing: It's open season on Pearson, the corporation everyone loves to hate. But this time, when they crossed a serious line, far too many state leaders and reformers are holding their fire.'

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:02 PM ET, 05/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Line Is Crossed, Standardized Tests

Posted at 08:02 AM ET, 05/06/2013

Eighteen myths about education
By Valerie Strauss
More homework means more learning, and 17 others.

By Valerie Strauss  |  08:02 AM ET, 05/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  An Infographic, Education Myths

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 05/06/2013

They made him take the test
By Valerie Strauss
Nobody in Florida with the power to do so stopped the state from forcing a 9-year-old boy named Michael, who was born with a brain stem but not a complete brain, from taking a standardized test.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 05/06/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Travesty, Standardized Tests

Posted at 04:12 PM ET, 05/05/2013

'I dare you to do better' -- Obama's Ohio State commencement speech
By Valerie Strauss
President Obama tells Ohio State grads that even though key American institutions failed them, they should stay optimistic and work to improve the country's democratic experiment.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:12 PM ET, 05/05/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Commencement Address, President Obama, Reject 'Creeping Cynicism', Text of Address

Posted at 12:26 PM ET, 05/04/2013

Severe technical problems raise concerns over online tests
By Valerie Strauss
In several states online problems during test administration forced postponement and sparked new concerns about testing.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:26 PM ET, 05/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Standardized Tests

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 05/04/2013

School canceled for 'great weather'

By Valerie Strauss
Snow days are common, but a sun day?

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:01 AM ET, 05/04/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  School Closed, Video

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 05/03/2013

Questions about the questions on new Common Core tests
By Valerie Strauss
Critics say there are problems with some of the questions on the new tests just given to students in New York.

By Valerie Strauss  |  02:29 PM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Are They Clearly Written?, Common Core Tests, Try To Answer Two of Them

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 05/03/2013

More than 200 colleges, universities still accepting students for fall
By Valerie Strauss
Here are some of the college and universities still taking students for fall.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:44 AM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Across The Country, Admissions, College Admissions, In D.C., Maryland, Other States, Virginia

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/03/2013

"We're Number Umpteenth!": The myth of lagging U.S. schools
By Valerie Strauss
The premise that American students lag behind counterparts in other countries is so widely accepted that it's casually repeated by just about everyone -- including educators. Here's why it's wrong.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  International Comparisons

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/03/2013

Beyond the education wars: A case study in collaboration

By Valerie Strauss
Here's a look at how labor and management in one school district found a path to work together.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/03/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Book Excerpt, Collaboration

Posted at 06:31 AM ET, 05/02/2013

Hospitalized 4th grader, hooked up to machines, asked to take standardized test
By Valerie Strauss
Put this in the you-can't-make-up-this-stuff category.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:31 AM ET, 05/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  For Real, Standardized Tests

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 05/02/2013

Duke University quits elite online learning initiative

By Valerie Strauss
Duke University professors forced the school to quit an online learning initiative with other universities that will offer for-credit courses.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 05/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Online Learning, Professors Voted Against It, Voted Against Participation

Posted at 05:03 AM ET, 05/02/2013

Why collaboration is vital to creating effective schools

By Valerie Strauss
There's a big irony emerging from the ed wars between teachers unions and supporters of market-based reforms that rely heavily on motivating school personnel by threatening them.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:03 AM ET, 05/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Beyond The Education Wars, Effective Schools

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 05/02/2013

Grading writing: The art and science -- and why computers can't do it

By Valerie Strauss
Writing is a fundamental human act. What really goes into assessing it?

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 05/02/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Quiz, First, Test Grading, Writing

Posted at 04:42 PM ET, 05/01/2013

Duncan on testing: 'We can't throw the baby out with the bathwater'
By Valerie Strauss
Education Secretary Duncan addresses growing criticism about high-stakes testing in a speech to the American Educational Research Association.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:42 PM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Arne Duncan, Says He Agrees With Some Critics

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 05/01/2013

Does what happened in 2008 still matter in 2013?
By Valerie Strauss
Why should we keep trying to figure out what happened in D.C. Public Schools in 2008?

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:16 PM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  D.C. Schools, D.C. Schools and Cheating

Posted at 11:09 AM ET, 05/01/2013

Walton Foundation giving $8 million to Rhee's StudentsFirst โ€” plus 2012 donations
By Valerie Strauss
Who got big money from the Walton Family Foundation in 2012? Here's the list

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:09 AM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Private Money, The Billionaires Club

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 05/01/2013

Extreme Common Core rhetoric clouds serious debate -- update

By Valerie Strauss
There's a lot of extreme talk about Common Core being voiced, and it's a problem because it it is clouding serious-minded criticism about the standards initiative and its implementation.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 05/01/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Clouds Serious Criticism, Common Core State Standards

Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 04/30/2013

'Parent trigger' legislation fails in Florida Senate
By Valerie Strauss
For the second straight year, significant parent opposition to "parent trigger" legislation in Florida has led to defeat in the legislature.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:36 PM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Loss For Jeb Bush, Parent Trigger

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 04/30/2013

Not a word from Obama (or White House press corps) on education

By Valerie Strauss
What President Obama didn't talk about in his Tuesday news conference.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:44 AM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Policy, Nada On Education, On Education, President Obama

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 04/30/2013

Top 10 wage-earning industries
By Valerie Strauss
Wondering what field you or your children should go into?

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:17 AM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Jobs, Six-Figure Salaries

Posted at 10:09 AM ET, 04/30/2013

AFT's Weingarten urges moratorium on high stakes linked to Common Core tests

By Valerie Strauss
AFT president Randi Weingarten says high-stakes tests are unfairly being given to students before teachers have had time to properly absorb and create curriculum around the Common Core standards.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:09 AM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core Implementation Challenged, Common Core Standards, Randi Weingarten

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 04/30/2013

'Who allowed these big boys to go and play in education? Now the moms have to clean it up'
By Valerie Strauss
What started with eight women from Austin and suburban Houston is now a movement that spread across Texas and is challenging the standardized testing regime in the Lone Star State.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Pushback on Testing, Standardized Testing

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 04/30/2013

Have standardized tests really helped kids learn more?
By Valerie Strauss

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 04/30/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Standardized Tests, There's No Evidence It Has

Posted at 05:43 PM ET, 04/29/2013

Georgia high school holds first integrated prom
By Valerie Strauss
A group of black and white students who were longtime friends pushed for the event and made it happen.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:43 PM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  After Students Push For It, Integration, Segregation

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 04/29/2013

The gap between school reform rhetoric and reality in 3 cities
By Valerie Strauss
Results for school reform in three major cities -- Washington D.C., New York City and Chicago -- have been less rosy than touted by reformers, a study shows.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 PM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 04/29/2013

Study: Preschool funding sees unprecedented single-year drop
By Valerie Strauss
Enrollment stalled and more programs saw a drop in quality than improvement along with the funding drop.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:53 AM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Early Childhood Education, Nationwide

Posted at 06:01 AM ET, 04/29/2013

StudentsFirst 'parent trigger' petition: Phony signatures?
By Valerie Strauss
Some folks say they don't know why their names are on the petition.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:01 AM ET, 04/29/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 04/28/2013

Obama's big second-term education problem
By Valerie Strauss
President Obama has something of a problem in his second term in terms of education policy: His first term.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:50 PM ET, 04/28/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Education Policy, Education Reform, It's Duncan's Problem Too, President Obama

Posted at 12:24 PM ET, 04/27/2013

A dozen things teachers won't tell parents (e.g., 'Kids dish on your secrets all the time')
By Valerie Strauss
What teachers would like to say to parents but don't: Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals, and a bunch more.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:24 PM ET, 04/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Teachers, We're Not Marriage Counselors

Posted at 11:07 AM ET, 04/27/2013

A 'parent trigger' mystery solved in Florida

By Valerie Strauss
Who started a new pro parent trigger group and why did nobody take credit for it?

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:07 AM ET, 04/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 04/27/2013

And now, Girl Scout badges aligned to Common Core standards
By Valerie Strauss
There's nothing, it seems, in this school reform era that you can't align with standards -- even Girl Scout badges.

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:17 AM ET, 04/27/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core State Standards, From Cadettes to Ambassadors, From Daisies to Ambassadors

Posted at 12:46 PM ET, 04/26/2013

The real problem in education: the 'opportunity gap'
By Valerie Strauss
'We have failed to build capacity or increase opportunities to learn.'

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:46 PM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Equity, The Issue of Equity

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 04/26/2013

A bad idea in D.C. on school reform -- and a sharp response (update)

By Valerie Strauss
The belief that this process should start with a team of lawyers and not end with one speaks to a fundamental missed opportunity.

By Valerie Strauss  |  11:01 AM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  'Stop Hunting and Ask the Crowd', A Bad Idea, D.C. Public Schools, School Reform

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 04/26/2013

Why the public should see questions on new standardized tests
By Valerie Strauss

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  High Stakes, Standardized Tests

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 04/26/2013

AP program isn't all it's cracked up to be -- study
By Valerie Strauss
A new study from Stanford University that reviews research on the Advanced Placement program -- including about how much benefit students get from it when they reach college -- is not accurate.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement coureses

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 04/26/2013

Why famous dropouts aren't the best advocates for staying in school
By Valerie Strauss
Do kids really believe the message?

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 04/26/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Mark Wahlberg, Role Models

Posted at 07:02 AM ET, 04/25/2013

Can computers really grade essay tests?
By Valerie Strauss
The National Council of Teachers of English say "no," even if there is new software that says "yes."

By Valerie Strauss  |  07:02 AM ET, 04/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Debate on Technology in Education, Technology in Education

Posted at 05:01 AM ET, 04/25/2013

How arcane rules -- not student achievement -- drove No Child Left Behind
By Valerie Strauss
"Phrases such as 'we need to hold schools accountable' sound wonderful, but what really matters is how we do so."

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:01 AM ET, 04/25/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  No Child Left Behind, Unintended Consequences

Posted at 03:52 PM ET, 04/24/2013

Students in D.C. region can't formally 'opt out' of standardized tests
By Valerie Strauss
Parents in some other states are formally "opting out" of high-stakes standardized tests and keeping their children at home on test days, but they can't in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:52 PM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Movement Growing, Opt Out Movement, Standardized Tests

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 04/24/2013

How private money is driving public education policy
By Valerie Strauss
" I find the brazenness, arrogance, and disregard for public decision making of current philanthropic attempts to influence federal policy just as dangerous to democracy as the critics of the original foundations contended so vociferously 100 years ago."

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Brief History, Billionaires

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 04/24/2013

Is the Common Core Standards initiative in trouble?

By Valerie Strauss
Education Secretary Arne Duncan recently met with Chamber of Commerce leaders and urged them to be more vocal and forceful in defending the Common Core State Standards. Why?

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Common Core State Standards, Some States Reconsidering

Posted at 04:01 AM ET, 04/24/2013

A brief history of Pearson's problems with testing
By Valerie Strauss
Over years, in different states and a U.S. territory.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:01 AM ET, 04/24/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Standardized Testing Errors

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 04/23/2013

The color of school closures
By Valerie Strauss
Who is most affected by public school closures in major cities?

By Valerie Strauss  |  03:33 PM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  An Infographic, School Closures

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 04/23/2013

A windfall for failing charter schools?
By Valerie Strauss
Lawmakers in Indiana are debating whether to forgive millions of dollars in loans that the state gave to charter schools that lost their charters because they were academically failing.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:02 PM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Charter Schools, Loan Forgiveness

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 04/23/2013

2013 National Teacher of Year: Public education not in crisis
By Valerie Strauss
The newly named Teacher of the Year, from Washington State, is not a big fan of all of President Obama's education policies.

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Disagrees With Reformers on Evaluation, Teachers

Posted at 05:02 AM ET, 04/23/2013

Parent trigger: Who's for it and who's against it tells the story

By Valerie Strauss
It's a powerful coalition of wealthy organizations against grassroots citizens organizations.

By Valerie Strauss  |  05:02 AM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Parent Trigger, The Lineups

Posted at 04:03 AM ET, 04/23/2013

Standardized test questions kids have to answer that don't even count
By Valerie Strauss
Parents and students may not know this, but all of the questions kids have to answer on standardized tests don't actually count. Here's why.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:03 AM ET, 04/23/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Field Test Questions, Field Testing, Standardized Tests

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 04/22/2013

2013 National Teacher of the Year named
By Valerie Strauss
Jeff Charbonneau, a high school science teacher from Zillah, Washington, was chosen as 2013 National Teacher of the Year.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:50 PM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  He Teaches Science, Teachers

Posted at 04:28 PM ET, 04/22/2013

Obama hosts young inventors at 2013 White House Science Fair
By Valerie Strauss
Some 100 students from more than 40 states are attending the 2013 White House Science Fair, which began today with President Obama hosting the initiative designed to stress the importance of the STEM subjects.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:28 PM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Link To Watch It, STEM subjects, Stresses STEM Subjects, White House Science Fair, You Can Watch It

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013

School warns students: No test, no sports
By Valerie Strauss
How's this for twisting students' arms to take high-stakes standardized tests?

By Valerie Strauss  |  10:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  A Threat?, Standardized Tests

Posted at 06:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013

What's wrong with this school language survey form?

By Valerie Strauss
Look at this Home Language Survey Form from D.C. Public Schools to parents. What's wrong with it?

By Valerie Strauss  |  06:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  D.C. Public Schools, DCPS Home Language Survey

Posted at 04:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013

Pearson flubs test scoring for gifted-and-talented programs

By Valerie Strauss
Pearson, the world's largest education company, was just forced to apologize for making errors in its scoring of assessments for entry into gifted and talented programs in New York City public schools.

By Valerie Strauss  |  04:02 AM ET, 04/22/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Company Apologizes, Standardized Tests

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 04/21/2013

Teacher: How my job went from great to infuriating
By Valerie Strauss
Here's a call for the end of high-stakes standardized tests from a teacher who chronicles how school reform forced him to change how he taught.

By Valerie Strauss  |  12:16 PM ET, 04/21/2013 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Effects of NCLB, No Child Left Behind, School Reform, Teachers, What School Reform Did