That’s Right, I’m on the Roland Martin Bandwagon

Outrage: Access Still Denied Last week, my mentor and sister in the struggle, Kenya Bradshaw, dropped a gem at the LEAP InnovatEd Summit that really…

Actually, Charter Schools Can Work Against Segregation

Reactions to public charter schools seem to exist on an either/or dichotomy characterized by extremes. They are either the only answer to our country’s educational…

How the New York Times Got It Wrong on School Choice and Segregation

After a much needed break from all things education, I returned to find an op-ed in the New York Times from Antioch University writing professor…

The Story You Haven’t Heard About Why They’re Banning “To Kill a Mockingbird” in Mississippi

I’ll admit it. When I first heard of the Biloxi, Mississippi junior high school board’s decision to stop teaching “To Kill a Mockingbird,” my first…

How Teaching a Liberal Education Will Help Our Students Move Past Prejudice and Embrace Our Common Humanity

In 1952, as the world continued to take stock of the devastation wrought by authoritarian regimes, a coalition of prominent universities and preparatory schools called…

It’s Common Sense: There Are No Great Schools Without Great Principals

Back in the day, when I was an education reporter and trying to figure out where to find the school stories that would illuminate something…

To All the Teachers Worried About Trump and DeVos, There Is Something You Can Do

“Betsy DeVos just got confirmed as secretary of education.” My colleague, a principal in Brooklyn, glanced at me with worried eyes. I was at a…

3 Reasons I’m Missing Teachers Union Legend Al Shanker Right About Now

Three recent experiences have served to remind me how much I miss—and how much the country and the cause of better education were diminished by…

How One Charter School Is Working on Strengthening Its Relationship Within the Community

At Sci Academy, located in New Orleans East at the former site of Marion Abramson High School, the Collegiate Academies leadership team has been on…

How Mayor de Blasio Can Regain New York City’s Trust

Early Saturday morning the New York State Legislature passed a bill that falls far short of the mayor’s political and educational objectives. First, legislators shrunk…