The doublespeak of ed reformers who repeatedly declare that the key to a successful education is to put an "excellent" teacher in every classroom, and then turn around and promote young, Teach for America recruits -- with only five weeks' training, no in-class experience, and only a two-year commitment to...

It has not been a good month for corporate education reformers.

Controversial and unpopular NYC Schools Chancellor Cathie Black is stepping down after only three months on the job. Appointed by Mayor Bloomberg -- amid vociferous public protest -- Black seemed an unlikely choice from the start. She...

The current crowd of education reformers like to dismiss any of us who disagree with their agenda as "defenders of the status quo."

Nothing could be further from the truth.

I am not a defender of the status quo in public education because the status quo is currently No...

Out-of-work D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee has just created her own new education reform organization. You can, too!

How to Create a Faux Grassroots Education Reform Organization in 12 Easy Steps!

1. Think of a name using these words: STAND, KIDS,...

Our public school district in Seattle used to have as its motto: "Delivering on the Dream. Academic Achievement for Every Student in Every School." The accompanying logo showed a carefree child and an adult holding hands, the child reaching for a star.

Now, under its current ed reform leadership, Seattle's...

(A version of this letter originally appeared on As It Ought to Be, July 20, 2010)

Dear Bill,

I am a public school parent in your own general neighborhood of Seattle. I realize you have an interest in public education, and are a major participant and funder...

While watching part of NBC's Education Nation (aka the week-long made-for-TV ad for Waiting for 'Superman) last month, I tuned into the Teacher Town Hall where a teacher from a charter school was asked what made her school successful. "Teachers at our school are given the freedom to...