by David Safier USA Today put together a research story about teachers and administrators cheating on high stakes tests, and the results, while perfectly predictable, aren't pretty. In the six states studied, including Arizona, the researchers found whole classes and whole grades at some schools where the students made unbelievable — literally, statistically unbelievable — … Read more
by David Safier Two unrelated items in the news about Goldwater Institute. First: I haven't followed the G.I./Glendale dustup closely, but it may be reaching a head. Basically, Glendale is trying to keep the Phoenix Coyotes. G.I. says the deal would be a government giveaway, a gift to the current owners, and it is fighting … Read more
by David Safier The nerve of this Wisconsin teacher, to do anything but thank the gods for her good fortune. After all, Erin Parker is only 30 years old with an inconsequential $26,000 in student debt, and in her second year of teaching, she's already making $36,000! I mean, come on, Erin, that's a salary … Read more
by David Safier AZ Blue Meanie will undoubtedly post this week's Farley Report in its entirety, but I want to pull out one passage, Farley's discussion with Col. Tom Payne, base commander of the Army's Yuma Proving Ground. Payne thinks our low educational standing hurts the military's ability to recruit the best people for the … Read more
by David Safier In a WaPo op ed yesterday and an article today, Bill Gates tells us how we can change education for the better, even with budget cuts. [See Vonnegut Quote-Note at end] His basic assertion: don't raise teacher salaries based on experience or education. Only raise salaries for the best teachers, and put … Read more