In case you haven’t been paying attention, the arrival of the Common Core apparently means the end of the world as we know it. In fact, the Common Core–done right–could make schools a lot more interesting and rewarding for both students and teachers.
Making Demands
Suppose you were a school superintendent – what guarantees would be appropriate to demand from your principals? Here’s my thinking: Because what we choose to measure reveals what we value, I would use performance guarantees to send a clear message to my principals about what matters.
An Open Letter to the Architects of the Common Core
What sort of standardized paper-and-pencil (or computer-based) assessment can test for grit, teamwork, communication, innovation, ambition and the like? To test those skills and capabilities, we would have to be willing to go back to the days when we trusted teachers to assess their students.
Your Last Standardized Test Ever
Are you upset about all the tests—State tests, the new Common Core tests, the SAT and the ACT and on and on? Well, if you answer every question on this test correctly, this will be the last standardized test you will ever have to take in your life.
Michelle Rhee and the Washington Post
Why is Washington in denial? Fear of Michelle Rhee’s wrath? An unwavering commitment to 2007’s great narrative about the fearless young reformer who “challenged failing schools and incompetent teachers”? I wish I knew the answer.
Subtracting to Add
States are cutting preschool spending now, but they don’t have to–if they are willing to think outside the box. They could take a great leap forward, provide free, high quality, universal preschool for all of our 4-year-olds, and rescue our 12th graders from boredom at the same time.
Arne Duncan’s Moment of Truth
As two powerful forces collide at this moment in educational history, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has an opportunity to make a mid-course correction that could save public education.
