by David Safier Imagine Schools' problems have finally surfaced and gotten press in Arizona. According to the Republic, 10 or 11 of the 14 teachers at Imagine Prep at Superstition in Apache Junction have been let go. The reason given is that the school is going in a different direction. Reporters Patrick Ryan and Chelsey … Read more
by David Safier Class size doesn't matter. How do I know? Mitt Romney and Matthew Ladner, formerly of the Goldwater Institute, tell me so. Romney is a newcomer at this game, so let's go back to Matthew Ladner, circa 2009. Writing for G.I., he said we should pay great teachers — "rock stars," he likes … Read more
by Pamela Powers Hannley The Congressional District 8 (CD8) special election debate on Wednesday night was the most boring debate I have ever heard. High school graduate Jesse Kelly repeated the Teapublican talking points faithfully– guns, God, guv'ment– but he forgot the gay part of their message. Former Gabrielle Giffords aid Ron Barber revealed himself … Read more
by David Safier The Sunlight Foundation analyzed the grade level of the speech by members of Congress based on an analysis of the Congressional Record. Overall results: there was a one grade level drop from 2005 (11.5) to today (10.6). Who speaks at the lowest grade level? The most conservative members of Congress. Interestingly, Republicans … Read more
Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Dr. Richard Carmona's op-ed in the Ahwatukee Foothills News last week. Carmona: Hiking student loans would limit opportunity:
Access to higher education is the great societal equalizer and what ultimately makes the American Dream possible. It’s what gives every parent hope. And for kids who grew up poor like me, it’s what allows us to achieve success.
My grandmother always told me to get an education because it would set me free.
She was right, even if I didn’t immediately follow her advice. Like my friends and siblings, I dropped out of high school and ran the streets before joining the U.S. Army.
I served in Vietnam, and returned home a combat-decorated veteran. Despite earning my GED in the Army in order to qualify for Special Forces, when I returned home I still couldn’t get into college.
It was an open enrollment program for veterans at Bronx Community College that opened the door for me. It was an opportunity that changed my life. In one generation, I went from being a homeless kid on the streets to becoming the 17th Surgeon General of the United States.