opportunity gap
I Got Rid of Course Requirements for My AP English Class and I Don't Regret It
“So you’re just going to let anyone into your AP English class?” she quipped with sarcasm and snark. “Uhm … yeah,” I responded with cool decisiveness. The scene of this conversation? A conference...
student achievement
As the U.S. Department of Education Turns 40, the Real Battleground for Kids Lies in the States
This week marks the 40th anniversary of President Jimmy Carter signing the legislation that authorized him to create the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In light of this occasion, you might expect...
Charter Schools
This Fight Isn’t About Charter Schools, It’s About Justice for Our Students
“We’re in the fight of our lives,” according to a number of chartered public school educators with whom I met at the recent National Alliance for Public Charter Schools summer conference. Having...
Charter Schools
They Won't Just Fix the Schools for Us, We Have to Make Them Do It
Dear parents, Guess what? If you hate your child’s school or aren’t satisfied with the quality of education they’re receiving, you shouldn’t expect anyone to fix that problem for you. The solution...
Charter Schools
Black and Brown Students Can Learn, But You Have to Want to Teach Them
We complain about what’s wrong with the public education system all the time. Admittedly, I’m probably on the long list of tough critics. Some of our complaints stem from personal experience—I know...
Parents
Here’s Why We Must Open Schools to Authentic Parent Partnership
When I taught first grade on the Navajo Nation, I’ll never forget when one of my fellow teachers—now my wife—wanted to host an event that welcomed our families to the school. The veteran educators...