Monthly Archives: February 2012
Administering Standardized Tests Are Standard for Everyone—Except Philly
by Christopher Paslay Although dozens of school districts across the state are under investigation for cheating, it appears the Pennsylvania Department of Education has singled out the Philadelphia School District for special treatment. The Philadelphia Public School Notebook writes: … Continue reading
Filed under Standardized Testing
Bloomberg Makes Teacher Rankings Public, Nails Names to Church Door
by Christopher Paslay The Bloomberg administration has made public the performance rankings of its city schoolteachers, despite limitations of the data and flaws in the evaluation system. It’s official: The New York City Education Department has won the legal … Continue reading
Filed under Standardized Testing, UFT
The mighty testing juggernaut
“There’s an old saying that weighing a cow doesn’t make it fatter. When it comes to educational testing in Pennsylvania, however, Gov. Corbett may beg to differ. His proposed 2012-13 budget calls for a 43 percent increase in funding for … Continue reading
Filed under Inquirer Articles, Standardized Testing
Why Charter Schools Exist Mainly Among Urban Poor
by Christopher Paslay Outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, charter schools in Pennsylvania are virtually nonexistent. One reason is that socioeconomically disadvantaged children and their families are easier to manipulate. Here are some basic facts about charter schools in the … Continue reading
Filed under Charter Schools
SRC Favors Corporate Community Over True Stakeholders
by Lisa Haver Philadelphians still have little say in the workings of the School District. Too often the agenda of the corporate community outweighs the interests of true stakeholders. Although the new-look Philadelphia School Reform Commission is making headway into … Continue reading
Filed under Charter Schools
Phil Goldsmith for Superintendent of Philadelphia Schools
by Christopher Paslay The Philadelphia School District can call off its elaborate search for the next superintendent. The best person for the job is sitting right under our nose, and his name is Phil Goldsmith. The Philadelphia School … Continue reading
Filed under School Resources, School Violence
