by David SafierRegular BfA reader and commenter Steve Gall is, for lack of a better term, a recess freak. He worked on legislation to make recess mandatory in elementary schools in Arizona that came close to passing in the 2008 session (I think I've got that right). But he's not just a talker. He puts … Read more
by David SafierIf you read Howard Fischer's article in this morning's Star about Arizona having to borrow $131 million because the feds are holding back stim money, you were probably as confused as I was. It was a "He said, She said, She won't talk" story. He, Dean Martin, said the fed is stiffing Arizona … Read more
by David SafierA few days ago, a friend of mine granted faint praise to the recently deceased Robert McNamara, saying, at least he understood the Vietnam War wasn't winnable militarily, something others around him didn't grasp. I disagreed with my friend. McNamara deserves great blame, not muted praise, for seeing the situation clearly yet keeping … Read more
by David SafierThe feel good bill of the session, protecting students' right to religious expression in schools, was signed into law by the Accidental Guv. In theory, the bill does nothing, since as its proponents admit, "it simply codifies protections federal courts already have upheld for students." But it's going to scare the bejeezus out … Read more
by David SafierIf anyone knew exactly what qualities it takes to make a successful teacher, we'd have half our education problems solved. Having said that, Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach for America, is interviewed in the NY Times, and she has some thoughts on how to predict who will be successful, which, I think, … Read more