Is Kavanagh somewhat warped?

by David Safier I know nothing about John Kavanagh except what I've learned during this budget cutting debacle, so I'm not sure I'm right, but, is he a bit warped? The first time Kavanagh used a death metaphor to defend the budget cuts, I thought it was just a spur of the moment thing. "There are … Read more

“The fix is in”

by David Safier A friend forwarded an email that began with this ominous line: My DC contacts say "the fix is in" to cut education funding and increase tax cuts in the stimulus package in the conference committee.  I don't know the basis for that, but let's hope that's not true. Education has already taken … Read more

Maryland “throws money” at ed and sees gains

by David Safier I don't know the details of Maryland's "Bridge to Excellence" act David Sadker writes about in a Star op ed today. But he says Education Week puts Maryland's schools at the top of their list, which is pretty strong praise. Arizona is, um, let's see if I can remember this . . . … Read more

Dr. Word: Ninja chess master playing rope-a-dope?

by David Safier I'm enjoying the terms being tossed around by pundits who believe that, far from being caught unawares, Obama is playing crafty political games with the Republicans during the stimulus debate, luring them into difficult positions as they tire themselves out with their overblown rhetoric. Putting the images together, Obama is a ninja … Read more

What teachers are hearing

by David Safier During a teacher's meeting at an Arizona school this week, the teachers were told about some ideas being bounced around concerning the 2010 round of budget cuts for K-12 schools: Cuts of about $1,000 in spending per pupil. Salary cuts ranging from $4,00-6,000. Getting rid of the experience index for teacher salaries. … Read more