No Matter What Anyone Says, the Money Ought to Follow the Kid Regardless of What Kind of Public School They Choose

I am punching above my weight. I am no education policy wonk, nor am I a mover or shaker in America’s larger educational conversation. But…

No Surprise, Carol Burris Misses the Mark on California Charter Schools

Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, writes about “a never-ending stream of charter scandals coming from California” in Valerie Strauss’ Answer…

You Can’t Argue With Success

In the City of New York, parents are lining up by the thousands to enroll their children in public charter schools like Success Academy, attracted…

If Charter Schools Aren’t Public, Then Neither Are Elite Magnets

At a recent book club meeting, we were wrapping up a spirited discussion of James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time” when our talk veered to…

Diane Ravitch and Carol Burris Attack Anyone Who Disagrees

Recently, a prominent American citizen released a video urging the next president of the United States to spend one day teaching in a high-poverty school…

No Miracle Here: We Believe in Dashaun

Dashaun is the kind of young man New York Principal Carol Burris thinks could not be expected to handle the Common Core State Standards. Apparently,…

Burris’ Abrupt End to an Honest Conversation

President of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute Michael Petrilli and award-winning Long Island principal Carol Burris have been in an ongoing debate on the Common…

Why Is Diane Ravitch Belittling These Teachers?

In a recent blog post, education historian Diane Ravitch belittled two teachers who happen to disagree with her and school principal Carol Burris on the…

Let’s Get to the Core of Debate on Standards, Waivers

Carol, I appreciate your quick follow-up and willingness to engage in a conversation about how we can support success for all of our students. We…

The False Arguments of Carol Burris Against High Standards

When you can’t make an honest case against something, there is always rhetoric, exaggeration or falsehoods, but it’s disheartening when it comes from an award-winning…