Featured Stories
“Teachers and unions only care about themselves”?
December 7, 2008
by David Safier Here's a true story from the annals of Oregon education. Every year or two, teachers unions and school districts square off for contract negotiations. The unions bargain for higher salaries, better benefits and stronger teacher protections, while school boards try to lowball all three items. Let's not argue who's right and wrong.
Educational “establishment” and “reformers”
December 7, 2008
by David Safier One of the big cabinet positions Obama has yet to name is Education Secretary. Naturally, people are asking who it will be. Journalists are beginning to mention names, and they're defining the two educational "camps" Obama's pick might represent. The people on one side of the equation, usually thought of as a
Does McCain still have a ranch? How about Bush?
December 5, 2008
by David Safier Will we hear about our beloved maverick's "ranch" anymore now that the election is over and he doesn't need to portray himself as a straight-shootin' cowboy for the gullible public? And how about Bush? He bought his "ranch" as a photo op at the beginning of his first run for president. Now
Prop. 8: The Musical
December 5, 2008
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Award-winning composer Marc Shaiman put together Jack Black and a star-studded cast for "Prop 8: The Musical". Here is the link in case the embedded video does not work (technical difficulty on this site) http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones
A charter school report card from Minnesota
December 4, 2008
by David Safier Minnesota was the birthplace of charter schools 20 years ago (Yes, they're that new). The Institute on Race and Poverty produced a report on the state's charters. The results weren't encouraging. Orfield's research team gathered test scores and other data from all traditional public and charter schools in the Twin Cities. That
Public school tax credit suggestions
December 4, 2008
by David Safier In an earlier post, I explained how you can give $200 for an individual or $400 for a couple to a school of your choice (or a combination of schools) and get a 100% tax credit on your state taxes. It won't cost you a penny. I said I would post suggestions
Department of Environmental Irony
December 4, 2008
by David Safier I was playing tennis this morning at Fort Lowell Park, well away from the street. I noticed a heavy smell of car exhaust wafting over the court and turned toward the parking lot. A large government vehicle — enclosed, about twice the size of a pickup — was sitting there, idling. Five
