by David Safier Those of you who haven't taught may not have thought about the most rational way for a teacher to maximize the number of students who pass high stakes tests. Here's the thinking teacher's guide to getting the highest passing rate on AIMS (or any other state test): 1. Don't waste time working … Read more
by David Safier The nation bought into high stakes testing for accountability and incentives with no evidence they do any good because, well, because the idea sounds like it makes so much sense. Test the students, then improve their performance, then reward teachers and administrators whose students make the most progress. What could be simpler? … Read more
by David Safier A long term study published in "Science" adds to the evidence that benefits from going to preschool stay with people into adulthood. A group of 900 Chicago children — low income, mostly African American — who attended the Child-Parent Center Education Program were studied for up to 25 years and compared to … Read more
by David Safier Arizona may be at the forefront in the war against ethnic studies, but it's not alone. Texas conservatives are targeting college level ethnic studies and other diversity programs. The Young Conservatives of Texas, according to their 82nd legislative agenda, favor eliminating funding for diversity programs, gender and sexuality centers, and ethnic and … Read more
by David Safier Tucson's Sonoran Science Academy charter school gets a fair amount of praise for its students' academic achievement as well as criticism for its connections to the Turkish-based, moderate Islamic Gulenist movement. Yesterday's NY Times has a long, critical article about the 33 charters in Texas with similar ties. [NOTE: Before I go … Read more