by David Safier Here's a true story from the annals of Oregon education. Every year or two, teachers unions and school districts square off for contract negotiations. The unions bargain for higher salaries, better benefits and stronger teacher protections, while school boards try to lowball all three items. Let's not argue who's right and wrong. … Read more
by David Safier One of the big cabinet positions Obama has yet to name is Education Secretary. Naturally, people are asking who it will be. Journalists are beginning to mention names, and they're defining the two educational "camps" Obama's pick might represent. The people on one side of the equation, usually thought of as a … Read more
by David Safier Minnesota was the birthplace of charter schools 20 years ago (Yes, they're that new). The Institute on Race and Poverty produced a report on the state's charters. The results weren't encouraging. Orfield's research team gathered test scores and other data from all traditional public and charter schools in the Twin Cities. That … Read more
by David Safier In an earlier post, I explained how you can give $200 for an individual or $400 for a couple to a school of your choice (or a combination of schools) and get a 100% tax credit on your state taxes. It won't cost you a penny. I said I would post suggestions … Read more
by David Safier I was playing tennis this morning at Fort Lowell Park, well away from the street. I noticed a heavy smell of car exhaust wafting over the court and turned toward the parking lot. A large government vehicle — enclosed, about twice the size of a pickup — was sitting there, idling. Five … Read more