50 myths and lies about public schools

[n2doc]

BY VALERIE STRAUSS

A valuable new book called “50 Myths & Lies That Threaten America’s Public Schools” takes a stark look at some of the worst ideas being promoted by school reformers around the country as ways to improve the public education.
The book — from which I am going to run a series of excerpts — looks at international tests, teachers, school funding, charter schools and a lot more, including sections on:

* International tests show that the United States has a second-rate education system.
* Teachers are the most important influence in a child’s life.
* Merit pay is a good way to increase the performance of teachers.
* Subject matter knowledge is the most important asset a teacher can possess.
* American K-12 education is being dumbed down.
* The money available to school districts is spread equally across their schools.
* Group projects waste children’s time and punish the most talented.
* School uniforms improve achievement and attendance.
* Schools can teach all students to the point of mastery.
* Education will lift the poor out of poverty and materially enrich our entire nation.

more

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/03/18/50-terrible-ideas-for-improving-schools/

[4Q2u2]

1. Teachers Unions

Since these have been around for a 100 years, most of the people complaninig about this situation were probably taught by a Union Teacher. They just did not realize this fact.

[greatlaurel]

2. Thanks for the post and the link

I went to Glass's webpage and the first article is debunking the remedial college class lie put out by Arne Duncan. What a twit!
http://ed2worlds.blogspot.com/

Love this quote, "How could Duncan be so far off? Clearly, Duncan wishes to see a half-full glass as being three-quarters empty, or else there is no thirst for his remedies for a failing public school system. That he has never been a teacher at any level in the nation's education system might excuse his ludicrous misperception of what is actually happening out there in the schools. "

You should consider posting this in General Discussion for wider exposure. I am recommending and bookmarking this post.

Thanks, again!

[Squinch]

3. kick!

[LWolf]

4. I just ordered this one. nt